It was an average yet beautiful sunny day in New York. The Sheffield mansion was filled with a glorious giddy atmosphere.

Everyone- no, wait, scratch that. Everyone, expect C.C. was in a good mood. There was no telling exactly why all of them felt that way. It must've been the weather, or the upcoming arrival of summer, or maybe it was the glorious aroma of the breakfast food Niles was preparing. Either way, it didn't matter because something nice was certainly going to happen today, they all hoped.

A certain blonde thought of the opposite.

C.C. was in the office writing down notes with her most prized felt pen and calling various people who had connections to the production of their newest play.

She wore her favorite silky purple pajamas paired with fuzzy white slippers. Her shoulder length blonde hair was loosen up. Her golden locks were messy but they were presentable enough to not make her look like she had just gotten out of a hurricane. The light of the sun's rays that shone and made its way to the office hit her flaxen strands which added little touches to her appearance.

C.C. recently slept in the guestroom of the house and has been engaging her slumber there for almost a week now. Opening night was fast approaching and to quote Maxwell: "We have to work even more harder."

Mornings were her favorite time of the day but today's morning was an exception. She opened her eyes and was met with the most terrible headache ever.

Was it because she woke up from the wrong side of the bed? It's not like another person was sharing it. Was it from a hangover? No, she hasn't really been drinking ever since she decided to stay there. Sara warned her about booze when the children were around. It had something to do with them getting influenced yada yada.

Maybe she was just overworked, that's all. She had been neglecting other aspects in her life and had condemned herself to focus on just one thing, which was the theater.

Maybe after all of this was finally out of her way, she can convince Max to give her two or three weeks off. Given the circumstances, she did deserve it.

Here's to possibly another vacation to be spent alone.

Sighing, she grabbed her leather purse and brought up her pill box. She took the ones meant for headaches and consumed them. C.C. picked up the glass of water on the tray beside the table that she requested from Niles an hour ago, and drank it to wash away the medicine. After all of that was done, she resumed her routine.

—

Maxwell was in the dining room, busy of course, while waiting for the butler to serve the family's morning meal. Sara sat on the left, next to her husband, holding baby Gracie in her arms. Maggie sat opposite facing her mother while Brighton...

"Brighton?!" Sara called.

The producer occupied by his papers was taken back by the voice of his wife. He immediately stopped what he was working on and turned to face her.

"Sara, darling. What's the matter?"

"Max, Brighton isn't here. We went down together. I came to the dining room and he was gone. That little devil, where did he go now?"

"Don't worry dear. I'm sure he's here somewhere. Maybe he's in the kitchen talking to Niles. I'll go look."

Sara calmed down but it wasn't going to be long before she started to worry again. Maxwell bent down to peck her ruby lips as he stood up and walked to where Niles was, hoping to see that boy of his.

Max entered the area and was welcomed by an incredible smell. His butler slash best friend since childhood was certainly a master when it came to cooking. You name a dish and he can make it in a matter of minutes, hours, or even days if it were that special. Well of course he had to learn the recipe first but you get the point. Maxwell watched him work and as he maneuvered his way through the kitchen he looked very natural, the husband/father type.

I wonder if his heart belongs to anyone right now. I feel like I know who exactly. He hasn't mentioned anything but actions speak louder than words they say. Maxwell thought.

Noticing his employer from across the room standing beside the door, he made his way to him and spoke.

"Sir?" Niles asked and his voice broke the fourth wall.

Max completely zoned out between the breakfast scent and thinking of a perfect wife for Niles.

"Oh yes Niles, old man, I'm looking for Brighton. Is he here?"

The two men looked around and obviously the kid wasn't present.

"I don't see him anywhere."

"Do you know where else he could be?" Max questioned as he languidly touched the bridge of his nose.

—

"Hi Miss Babcock!"

Brighton Milhouse Sheffield was an adorable little boy. He had rosy cheeks and fluffy hair. He was an innocent fella who was already in love. How cute! Not entirely cute to say the least, because he chose to offer his affection to the bitch of broadway, the scary lady that his older sister Maggie used to refer to, his father's secretary and soon to be associate and his mother's closest friend. Something about the way she looked even when she was in the worst mood ever, made him inexplicably happy. Well, he was only 6 years old. His definition of love was a beautiful woman.

C.C. was so focused on what she was doing that she didn't notice the little kid's presence as he entered.

Thinking that she didn't really hear him because he was small, Brighton frowned. Suddenly a flickering light bulb appeared on top of his head (figuratively) and an idea came to his mind. The boy tiptoed carefully, eager to not disturb her. He took little steps towards the desk and stood on the left beside Miss Babcock who was leaning forward while sitting on the chair. Her face remained lower, evidently unaware of his visit.

He wanted to make a sound again immediately and let her know he was in the same room as her but she looked so peaceful to be bothered. Even when her whole body was covered in violet sheets, the contours of her long slender legs were shown as she crossed them. Brighton stared at her for what felt like hours before he finally got the courage to say something. His voice was louder this time.

"HI MISS BABCOCK!!"

The loud shout buzzed off C.C.'s concentration and she abruptly jerked up.

"What the hell?! You scared the shit out of me! Can't you see I'm-"

The flustered blonde raised her head and moved it sideways to the left from where she was looking at and realized who interrupted. There stood…

little Burton? Adam? Sam? For heaven's sake, his name isn't even the main root of the problem here. I'm in big trouble! Really C.C., cursing in front of the boy? Maxwell and Sara are gonna kill you for this! She thought.

C.C. took a deep breath and faced the young thing. She silently prayed that he never heard what ever came out of her mouth not 2 minutes ago.

"Miss Babcock you cursed!" Brighton said as he brought his chubby palm to cover his mouth, followed by a fake exaggerated gasp.

She was wrong.

C.C. went ghostly pale, her color was drained and she remained looking like a piece of paper. There was no way out, she was certain that the boy was definitely gonna tell his parents. They taught him to always speak the truth — damn their lessons about honesty!

"Uh Br-?"

"Brighton!"

"Yes, Brigh-ton. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out there eating breakfast with the family? Aunt C.C. has work to do."

"It's okay, I can eat later. I wanna stay with Aunt C.C.!"

C.C. suddenly stared at him with confusion caused by his response and saw the boy start to redden.

"What?"

"Nothing." he said in a cracked, high pitched squeal.

Brighton was fumbling with his shirt as a blush smudged his face. He was nervous that she'd get angry with what he said but instead all he got as a reaction was...

a smile.

He was flabbergasted.

C.C. found his actions quite amusing and she didn't know why. God, what's gotten into me? Smiling at a little boy? Maybe she did need a rest ASAP, she was starting to soften. She did admit (in her head) that the boy looked cute in his azure pajamas. That particular color woke up something within her and a certain someone crossed her mind. A man with blue eyes to be specific. Her thoughts started off as anodyne but in a matter of seconds, they transformed into inappropriate images.

Miss Babcock shook her head hoping to- Oh no, bad idea…my stupid headache.

The blonde grumbled and rubbed her pulsating temples. Brighton noticed her scowls and felt something akin to feeling responsible. He was beginning to think that maybe it was him who caused it. Disturbing her beforehand was indisputably not a very wise decision.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine, it's just a headache."

"I'm sorry for disturbing you Miss Babcock, I'll go." Brighton headed for the door with his hands on either side of him.

C.C. felt bad that her crankiness got to his cheerful disposition. Determined to make it up to him, she rose up from where she was and called the boy's name, requesting for him to sit with her. Regardless of what just occurred, Brighton still accepted her plea to stay. He did love the woman after all.

She guided both of them to the green loveseat in silence. Miss Babcock sat with her legs tucked beneath and she helped Brighton get comfortable. His feet dangled and he swayed it gently. He was now on the left while she was on the right. She turned to look down at him, noticing that he was still gloomy, and he looked up at her.

"So, Brighton. Why do you want to stay with me?"

"Everyone out there won't stop treating me like a baby and I'm not a baby. So I figured staying with you would be a nice change."

C.C. chuckled. "But you are a baby! How old are you again? Uh...6?"

"6 and 1/2, I'll be seven soon and that's a big boy age."

"Yes Sir!" C.C. replied and gave him a subtle salute gesture. The boy laughed and so did she.

Not 10 seconds later, she found herself stroking the kid's soft brunette hair with her right hand manicured fingers.

She loathed to admit it but she was actually enjoying being with Brighton and talking to him. Her experiences with children from the past left horrible traces. This time was different, diverse, and unidentical. He was surprisingly well behaved unlike every other child she had the slightest (or none at all) pleasure of interacting with.

C.C. being a slightly paranoid person started to suspect that something was clearly up. He was acting completely composed while willingly exchanging glances, smiles and words with her and it began to mess with her mind. As someone who works at the place he calls his home, C.C. has seen him multiple times before on various occasions. She had observed him from afar and came to the conclusion that he was no doubt an espiègle. She couldn't pinpoint exactly why the most mischievous human being she's ever known suddenly became unexpectedly well mannered. It wasn't entirely him to feel one's oats.

What if he was only acting this way because he was told that C.C. was mockingly a grotesque, cold-hearted lady who feeds on the suffering of others, especially children and that spending time with her might be a prank ordered by a certain someone?

What if he was only there to help in setting up one of Niles' evil godsends?

The woman in description glowered at the negative thought.

Despite the wave of curiosity mixed with a hint of undefined hurt that washed over her, C.C. chose to dispose all those judgements she thought of. Whatever the real reason was, C.C. decided to not think of it any longer.

Brighton eased off and scooted closer to the blonde. She loosely wrapped her left arm around him and he gladly accepted her sweet embrace.

"Miss Babcock, you're beautiful."

Upon hearing his genuine compliment, C.C. couldn't help but beam adoringly at him. Other kids feared her and she always blamed it on her facial features. Did she really resemble the hideous appearance of a monster or a witch? That's what all of Niles' teases were about. Most of his insults got to her and there were moments when she started to believe that all his nasty comments about her looks were true.

It was a once in a blue moon experience for C.C. to be told that she was beautiful through the eyes of a little child. Miss Babcock's mood lightened up and the head banging agony she had earlier started to disappear.

"That's sweet, thank you Brighton. What brought that up?"

"I think you needed some reminding."

"Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden? Did Niles ask you to do this?" She cocked an eyebrow.

"No he didn't. I- Uh."

B stuttered and a shade of crimson red colored his marshmallow looking cheeks.

"I love you."

"You what?"

"I love you! Like how daddy loves mommy." The boy squeaked. It was an innocent confession, he unarguably had no clear understanding of what real love was.

C.C. didn't know what to reply. Brighton adored her very much and it wasn't the motherly type of adoration. Well now, at least someone took an interest in her even though their perspective of what love was came from made up, altered, feel-good stories. The 'hard' side of relationships were probably removed from the picture to not give the children any complicated and wrong ideas.

She had to concede that his audacity and confidence to confront her about it was pure. The idea of him being fond of her was winsome yet totally strange even for him. She laughed low and short while thinking of it. She indeed found the whole concept quite funny but not in a joking way. The sound that left her lips caused his face to look blue.

"Aww, don't be sad sweetie. You do know that I'm far older than you and that I could pass as your mommy. It's really flattering that you love me but you're too young. The feelings you have for me right now are just the result of a phase which usually doesn't last that long. When you grow up, you'll find other girls around your age and you'll end up with one of them. When you find her, you're going to spend the rest of your lives together." C.C. patted his shoulder and eyed him tenderly trying to explain the whole situation in a sense that he could get it.

"There's so much more to love and you'll learn about it as you get old."

The boy nodded and it was clear from his facial expression that her words were starting to sink in on him.

"We can still hang out if you want, as friends of course. I love you too Brighton, you're like my own son! To be honest, spending time with you is the closest I'll ever get to having children and you're not even mine."

Brighton saw how her smile curved downward at the mention of not having any fruits from her womb. C.C. caught him looking at her face and she immediately tried to hide the glistening from her deep blue eyes. Without any prolonged hesitation, he suddenly reached up and warmly hugged the woman beside him. It was a surprise yet delicate approach. C.C. thought she would tear up right on the spot. The almost emotional socialite returned his hug and was welcomed with a soft chord. He did his best to encircle his short little arms around her curvy figure. Realizing his struggle to envelop her, C.C. laughed quietly above his head. After a few moments of tenderness, they both let go and he returned to his seat beside her.

"I'm just a kid but I think I understand a little Miss Babcock, thank you. And I would love to be friends with you."

C.C. smiled. "Alright, you can spend time with me during my breaks and I think I can make some room for a mature big boy conversation." She nudged him.

Brighton laughed at her use of words.

"Miss Babcock, don't be sad, you'll find love like mommy and daddy soon."

"I hope so. I'm not getting any younger, you know. l need a man first but I don't have one as you can see." She chuckled, a little forced.

"How about Niles?"

His response made her eyes widen and look like they were about to pop out of her head. If she was drinking water or anything liquid right now, which thankfully she wasn't, she would've spit it right in front of his face - not wasting any drop.

"Niles? Why him?"

"I think he likes you more than I do but he's shy."

The idea of Niles being shy made her giggle.

"He does?" She asked, trying not to voice her laughter. It was still a serious topic and she had to squeeze out some details from the kid.

Brighton nodded.

"How do you know that?"

"Last night, I heard him."