It's that day again where I update. :-D I hope you'll enjoy the chapter, though it might not be that interesting - consider yourselves warned. :-D Thank you to all who read, and an extra special thank you to all who review - it means so much, and I'm so thrilled people are interested in the story. :-)

To amyb: Thank you. :-) I'm so happy to hear that you thought the chapter was great, and that it's your favorite so far. I'm quite fond of it myself. :-D I'm glad you love that detail about Niles being the writer - wonder if CC will ever know. Oh that's right - I do know whether she'll ever know or not. *devil grin* Ah so that's what fluffy means - thank you. :-) Hope you'll like this chapter.

To rx9872: I'm so thrilled to hear, you think it's getting good - thank you. :-) Sadly, I'm not that quick with writing, so I can only update once a week. And I must shamefully admit that I haven't written on this story since I returned from visiting my family. I did write a lot on the train ride back and forth, but that's also the last time I wrote on this story, so I really need to get back to it if I'm going to post a chapter next Tuesday. But I do think that with a little more writing on chapter 14, I can finish it and post it next Tuesday. :-)

Chapter 13

As soon as CC got up the next morning, she was 'The Bitch of Broadway'. She knew she had to be in order to get through the day going over the scene and that song with Niles present. Not that she had any intention of being directly cruel to Niles at all. But she knew she had to focus on business in order to keep her mind off of her feelings, and what that song did to her.

However, on her way down to the kitchen she got the idea that she'd let Niles deal with the music alone. She knew, she'd be hearing the song sung the day after at the rehearsal, but at least for the day she could let Niles deal with it. He was more musical than she was anyway.

When she entered the kitchen Niles was already there with breakfast ready and waiting.

"Good morning."

He looked up and smirked at her.

"Well, it was a good morning." He was happy when he saw her rolling her eyes. After last night he needed for things to be like they were on a daily basis. He pointed to the breakfast on the table. "Your bowl is ready for to slobber all over."

She rolled her eyes one more time and then sat down.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, CC looked at him.

"So, Niles, I was thinking."

"Isn't that a bit early for you to be doing that? I wouldn't want you to get a headache."

She gave him a glare, and thought it was pointless to throw him a good comeback. However, the sarcasm was evident in her voice.

"Thank you so much for your concern." He chuckled. "Now as I was saying. I was thinking that while I talk with the set designer and costume designer, you could go talk to the music director." He frowned.

"Why?" She took a sip of her coffee.

"You know more about music than I do. And besides, you know the song really well." To avoid her eyes he looked down in his food.

"Still, I don't think that qualifies me to handle such an important thing." She looked down in her own food as she spoke to him.

"Well, it would certainly make things a lot easier, and we'd be able to get everything done a lot faster if you focus on one thing and I focus on others. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow, since rehearsal won't just take an hour. So the more time we have to relax and go over details from today at home, the better."

Knowing there was no way for him to turn her down, since he'd agreed to help out, he sighed.

"Sure, I'll handle the music."

"Great."

Once they'd both calmed down inwardly, Niles from having to be in charge of the music, and CC from not having to deal with it until the following day, the rest of their breakfast was spent in comfortable silence.

After breakfast Niles cleaned up while CC took Chester for a walk. Once Niles was done cleaning, he made copies of the script as CC had requested, and when she got back they gathered the scripts and notes, they'd made the day before, and left.

Being well connected had its rewards for CC. She'd been able to borrow a small theater for the entire weekend. She and Niles met with the actors there and she gave them the script and instructions. Once that was done the actors were left alone to spend the rest of the day rehearsing, and then she and Niles went their separate ways. Niles dropped her off where she'd be meeting with the set designer, and then she'd walk to where she was meeting the costume designer. After he'd dropped her off, he went to meet with the music director.

Niles was actually happy that he was taking care of the music, and that he'd be doing it alone. It would be hard enough to sit through tomorrow's rehearsal with CC there to listen to it, so being alone with the song today was a welcomed break. He was also happy that he got to have a hand in his own creation, and could give instructions on how his song would be sung using a full orchestra, and hear it sung as a duet. When he wrote the play, he hadn't given much thought to costumes or even a set design, so he'd been thrilled with the ideas CC had had yesterday, and had been surprised that she'd already had an outline for everything within such a short amount of time. Though, knowing how talented she was, he shouldn't really have been that surprised.

A couple of hours after he'd met with the music director and the orchestra, the two leading actors showed up to rehearse the song. After a thorough and long rehearsal of the song, the actors knew it by heart, and Niles sat back and was amazed by the outcome. He'd imagined in his head how it would sound so many times, but imagination could only take him so far. Hearing it sung out loud nearly brought tears to his eyes. However, knowing that he couldn't lose it in front of all these people, he kept his emotions in check.

Some time later the song had been rehearsed enough for the day, and everyone went their separate ways. Knowing it would still be a while before he was meeting with CC, Niles went to the nearest Starbucks to get a coffee-to-go, and then went for a nice stroll.

When Niles met up with CC he couldn't help but chuckle at the expression on her face. Her eyes were filled with fire, and he could only assume that she'd been at her best with everything she'd had to deal with during the day. And to him it was a welcomed sight from seeing her so exhausted lately.

"Well, well, well, CaCa. It certainly seems like you had a big lunch today."

She immediately took a glance down herself quickly getting insecure about her appearance.

"I only had a salad."

Niles groaned inwardly at his own stupidity. He should've known she might misunderstand.

"No, I meant you seem like you've eaten a set designer and costume designer." He shook his head thinking that didn't come out right either. "What I meant to say was that you have that look in your eyes, you get when you've had to yell at people more than necessary, because they can't follow your simple instructions." She smiled a little sheepishly.

"Oh."

"So how did things go?" She let out a frustrated groan.

"Well, if those morons didn't need to ask a million questions about everything, things would've been just fine." He shook his head and chuckled at how right he'd been. "How did things go with you?"

"Splendid. The song sounds wonderful. You hired two great actors for the song, and I'd say they nailed it." She merely gave him a single nod not wanting to think much about the song until she had to tomorrow.

"Good."

Niles sighed a little inwardly.

"So are you done with work?" She nodded.

"Yes."

"Well, in that case I was thinking we could go to the store to shop for dinner. It won't take long."

"Do you already have something for dinner in mind?" He gave her his lopsided grin.

"Of course. I'm very good a multitasking, Babcock." She smirked at him.

"Yes, you can pretend to dust and eavesdrop at the same time. Quite the talent for multitasking." He gave her an un-amused glare, which made her chuckle. "So what did you have in mind, Benson?" He pouted and pretended to be hurt.

"Well, I'm not sure I want to tell you now." She rolled her eyes.

"Oh would you just spit it out? If you don't, I'll be eating a butler for dinner."

He quickly forced himself to not think of her eating him. That was one of those thoughts that also involved them being naked, and he'd also end up eating her. They'd also end up eating things off of each other. However, even with the thoughts at bay, it didn't exactly make it easy for him to tell her about his dinner suggestion. He took a calming breath.

"Honey-roasted duck breast with a green bean and hazelnut salad, sautéed potatoes and garlic and onion confit."

And just as he'd thought, his mind quickly went to him drizzling honey on her breasts, and then slowly licking it off. It didn't help him one bit that CC had started to lick her lips slowly.

"That sounds absolutely amazing."

As she closed her eyes in thoughts of the delicious meal, Niles swallowed hard, and quickly looked away thinking of everything possible to take his mind off his train of thoughts. And to prevent that well known reaction in his pants, he was sure he'd quickly start to feel if he didn't think of something else fast.

"Well, since that's settled, I say we head to the store right now."

Not wanting to wait for her to answer, he, for once, walked off first leaving her to follow him.

After they got home from shopping CC had some business to attend to, and Niles then put the groceries away. He then made them both a cup of tea and then settled himself in front of the TV for a while until he'd be starting dinner.

When Niles announced he'd be in the kitchen making dinner, CC told him they should eat in there, and once again that had made Niles smile.

Just as he was plating the food a while later, CC walked in with a bottle of red wine. When Niles noticed, he groaned in frustration knowing full well where she'd gotten that bottle from.

"Are you deliberately trying to get me into trouble?" She let out a sultry chuckle.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time." He rolled his eyes. "If it's any consolation, it's not the same wine like we had yesterday." He shook his head at her.

"It's no consolation at all." She merely smirked as she put the bottle down on the table. He picked it up and groaned again. "This is also one of Mr. Sheffield's most expensive wines." She came back with the corkscrew taking the bottle from him.

"Yes, and once again, it's not the only bottle he has left. And just like with the wine yesterday, this wine goes really well with today's meal."

For a split second he was actually amazed at how well she knew, which wine complimented which meal. Although, he knew she must've been used to eating gourmet meals all her life, it did surprise him a bit that she had such a wide knowledge.

"But couldn't we have bought a wine when we bought the food?"

"Why bother buying a wine when we have an entire wine cellar at our disposal?"

"Because buying a wine wouldn't end up in me getting in trouble."

"Niles, where's your sense of adventure? Live a little. Be a little daring."

"My sense of adventure will come when I have to start looking for a new job, after Mr. Sheffield fires me." She rolled her eyes.

"You're being ridiculous. If Maxwell didn't fire you after all the times, you drank his best liquor, he's not going to fire you if he finds out that you've been drinking some of his most expensive wines. And he won't find out about it at all, because I'm not going to tell him and the children aren't here." She poured the wine into both glasses and handed him one. "So be a little risky." She smirked at him. "Just not as risky as that one time, you were home alone." She shivered in mock disgust having to pretend, she didn't like it. "No one wants to see that again."

He groaned again and took a large sip of his wine and then grumbled.

"Let's eat before the food gets cold."

After eating in comfortable silence for a few moments CC remembered something, she'd been pondering.

"Niles, what's your friend's name?" He looked at her smirking.

"You're going to have to be more specific, Babs. Unlike you, I actually have quite a few friends." She sent him a glare.

"I meant the friend, who wrote the play, you Moron." He quickly lost his smirk.

"Why?" She rolled her eyes.

"Well, why do you think? We need to be able to tell who wrote the play, when we present the scene at the benefit."

He nodded but took a big forkful of food into his mouth to buy himself some time to come up with an answer.

Finally he had one. Or so he hoped.

"But is there any point in revealing that, seeing as you don't have the proper paperwork in order to produce it later on?" He was glad when she thought about his response. "Besides, if the scene is a success and you plan on producing the play later on, wouldn't it be more intriguing and leave people in suspense, if they don't know who the writer is?"

She slowly started to nod.

"Yeah, I guess that wouldn't be so bad. It would kind of be mysterious if the writer remained…well a mystery." He smirked at her and then mocked her.

"Wow that was profound. Quite a way you have with words there, Babcock."

"Oh shut up." She shook her head, but then looked at him with concern. "But are you sure, your friend is alright with not having his name mentioned?"

"Yes, it's just fine with him. Besides, he's rather shy. And he's out of town, so it won't make a difference if you announce his name or not." She shrugged.

"Okay, if you say so." He was relieved when she went back to eating. "This is really delicious." He gave her a sincere smile.

"Thank you."

After dinner they spent the rest of the evening going over the details for the following day. CC also filled Niles in on her conversation with the set designer and costume designer.

Later while CC made a list of which props to use for the scene, Niles took Chester for a walk. And shortly after he came back, they both went to bed wanting to get an early night before the long day, they had in front of them.

The next morning started off with a bit of bantering. They both needed to throw zingers and insults at each other because of what was in store for the day. However, neither let the other one know that that what was really behind it.

After breakfast they went to the storage place that Sheffield-Babcock Productions owned, which stored all props that had previously been used in their productions. They picked up the few that they'd need and then headed for the theater.

As soon as they arrived at the theater CC started out by giving everyone instructions on the scene and the day itself. Niles took a seat and put Chester on the chair next to him. He was looking forward to seeing the scene played out for the first time as well as watching CC in action. However, he was also a bit tense of being there with her, since he knew what the scene and song meant to him. He just hoped he could stay calm enough and not get too emotional.

A couple of hours later Niles volunteered to go and get lunch for everyone, seeing as he needed a break. However, he also knew it would be good for Chester to get some fresh air. He'd enjoyed himself seeing CC boss everyone around and seeing the scene unfold, though the scene didn't exactly turn out like he'd envisioned.

When lunch had been consumed and everyone had taken a break, rehearsal started again. It continued for another hour, but then CC had finally had enough. Things were not going like she'd envisioned, though she couldn't still quite pinpoint how those envisions were.

"NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! You two!" She pointed to the two lead actors. "How many times do I have to tell you, to do it right? You're wasting precious time, and it's time we don't have to waste since the orchestra will be showing up in just little over an hour. You're completely and utterly useless."

The actors took a look around each other feeling nervous. Niles wanted to chuckle at their frightened expressions, but also knew that CC had a point. They really were useless. They just didn't get the right emotions across.

One of the actors dared to speak. But barely.

"Uh…um…th…then…ho…h…how.."

"If you want me to hear you, you damn well better speak up." The actor gulped at CC's booming voice, but did as requested.

"Then how exactly are we supposed to do the scene?"

CC threw her hands up in the air in frustration and got up on stage. The actors all took a step back fearing, she'd hit them.

"How you ask me?" They nodded nervously. "Well, I thought that was damn well obvious." All they could do was shake their heads. "You're supposed to play it as…as….well as…" She sighed not quite knowing how to explain it. She closed her eyes and ran her hands through her hair at the same time as she ran through the entire script in her mind. She was lost in thought for a moment, but then smiled as she started to slowly realize the true meaning behind the play. She spoke softly with her eyes remaining closed. "Obviously, it's a love story between the two main characters. They've been in love with each other for years, but have always been too scared to tell each other or anyone else. It's like…like…there's something….it's like there's been something keeping them apart all those years, but now they've finally been able to overcome that obstacle. They know now that they belong together, and the song….the song is the highlight of that realization. The song is two halves becoming one…it represents the love they have for each other, and that they're finally able to declare it to the world. It's the most beautiful thing imaginable. And it shows how vulnerable they are, but that at the same time they're able to be proud of the other and be proud of their love."

Her eyes remained closed as she could feel them brimming with tears. She'd be damned if she was going to cry in front of all these people. Making an excuse, so that she could go and be alone for a while, wasn't an option either. She had no other choice but to fight against her emotion with every fiber of her being.

Niles sat dumbstruck in his seat. She'd finally understood the meaning behind the play. Feeling his own eyes brimming with tears, he was glad that he was sitting in darkness.

"Wow, Miss Babcock, that was really beautiful. I guess now we know how to do the scene properly."

CC finally found a way to fight against her emotions. She opened her eyes and looked at the actors like she was going to tear their heads off.

"It's about time. And you better do more than just guess, because if I don't start to see some god damn perfection, you can bet your ass that I'm going to make sure this will be the last time you work in show business." When she saw the actors flinch, she breathed an inwardly sigh of relief. Anger worked every time. "Now let's take the scene from the top."

By the time the orchestra showed up the scene was so much better, and it only got better once the song was included.

Niles had a huge smile plastered on his face for the rest of the time, he was in the theater and he felt like crying tears of joy. But he fought very hard to remain in control. No need for CC to ask questions about his behavior if he suddenly did start to cry.

In the late afternoon rehearsal was done. CC made arrangements with everyone for when they'd be rehearsing again, when they were closer to the date for the benefit. When everyone left the stage the lights came on, and CC walked down to Niles and Chester with the bag of props in hand. Niles stood up.

"That went well. Or at least after lunch." She nodded.

"But if those actors weren't imbeciles, we would've nailed the scene a lot sooner."

"But at least you got it right, and you can hand in your notes tomorrow." She nodded again as she ran a hand over her face.

"Yeah, that's always something."

"How about we head to the store to buy some food, and then we can head home?"

"Good idea. I suppose you already have something in mind?" He nodded.

"Herb studded rump of lamb with carrots, green beans, mashed potatoes, and vinaigrette. Does that appeal to you?" She smiled.

"That sounds absolutely delicious." She then smirked. "And I know just which of Maxwell's wines will go great with that meal." He groaned.

"We're not taking another one of Mr. Sheffield's wines." She laughed throatily as she handed him the bag of props, then picked up Chester and walked passed him.

"Oh yes, we are. You know you can't stop me, Butler Boy." He let out a defeated groan knowing she was right.

After they'd eaten dinner, which they'd once again had in the kitchen, Niles cleaned up in the kitchen, while CC went to make one final check of the notes, she'd be handing to the Breast Cancer Organization.

When Niles was done, he went into the living room and turned on the TV, making sure to keep the volume down so as not to disturb CC. He then started off by loosening his tie, but decided to take it off completely and then also took off his jacket.

A few minutes later CC walked into the living room.

"Did you make your millionth inspection of the notes?" She rolled her eyes at him.

"It's very important that Sheffield-Babcock Productions look professional tomorrow, and that will only happen if everything is checked and double checked, and is in perfect order." He held up his hands in surrender and nodded with a smile. She sighed knowing that he was only teasing. She took a seat next to him on the couch and looked at the TV. "What are you watching?" He shrugged.

"Nothing really. I just turned it on a few minutes ago."

"Anything worth watching tonight?"

"I've been a little preoccupied the last couple of days to go through the TV-Guide. You'd need Mrs. Sheffield to tell you what's on tonight." She nodded and chuckled.

"Right. She'd remember the TV-Guide by heart." That made him chuckle too.

"Yeah. How about we flip through the channels to see if something good comes on?"

"Sounds good to me."

They ended up watching one movie and started on another while enjoying some snacks, fruits, and iced-tea. But half way through the second movie, Niles noticed that CC's eyes started to close and that her head was leaning closer to his shoulder.

He swallowed hard at just the thought of having her head on his shoulder. He wanted nothing more than for her to lean against him, but he feared how she'd react when she woke up. He also feared how his body would react to being that close to her.

Not wanting any awkwardness to happen, he did the only thing he could think of.

"Hey, Babcock, you're drooling."

His loud voice woke her and she immediately sat up straight wiping her mouth. When she noticed there was no trace of drool, she looked at him with a glare. He snickered in return.

"Very funny, Donut Head." She ran a hand over her tired face.

"Why don't you just go to bed?" She noticed Chester sitting on the floor looking up at her.

"I can't. Not until I walk Chester."

"I'll walk him."

"No, you watch the movie, and I'll walk him." She stood up, and he did as well turning the TV off in the process. She rolled her eyes. "Niles, I can walk my own dog."

"I know, but you're tired. You were practically falling asleep a minute ago."

"Yes, well that was a minute ago and the minute has now passed. It's not like I'm going to fall asleep out in the street." He smirked at her.

"See that's where I think you're wrong. You're used to working the streets, so it wouldn't at all surprise me if you found them so comfortable that you found yourself a nice place to sleep for the night." She glared at him. "And if you suddenly start to feel the need for going to your usual corner to work, you would just forget about poor Chester, and I'd hate to see that happen."

She groaned and threw her hands up in the air in frustration being too tired to have a comeback ready. She then pushed Niles back down in the couch to get him out of her way.

"That cleared that roadblock." She picked up Chester. "Come on, Chester. Let's get your leash and go for a walk."

As she walked towards the front door, Niles got up and grabbed his jacked heading for the front door as well.

"Oh you stubborn donkey. Wait for me." She gave him a puzzled look.

"Why?" He smirked at her.

"Like I told you the other night, there are weirdoes out there that'll take a whack at anything. And besides, if you do start working someone has to bring Chester home. He shouldn't be forced to see you work." She sent him a glare but then rolled her eyes when he didn't budge.

"Fine! If you want to help so badly, you can clean up after him if that's going to be necessary." When she heard him groan, she smirked to herself.

They walked around the neighborhood for a while in comfortable silence. But on their way back to the mansion Niles broke the silence when he stopped in front of a house.

"This is a beautiful house." CC stopped and looked back at him and then at the house.

"Terrence Sallinger's house?" He nodded.

"Yes." She walked back standing beside him, and they both just looked at the house in silence for a few moments. "Not only is it beautiful outside, but also on the inside."

"Oh yes, absolutely." He looked at her.

"You've seen inside?"

"A couple of times. He's a well known and respected business man, and has hosted numerous parties at his home. He's also quite the theatergoer, and it was at the theater I first met him. He knew who I was, so he started talking to me. After talking about the play, we'd seen, he started talking about his financial businesses. When he found out I had a well knowledge into the business world, he was very impressed, and then got interested in my opinions. Since then he's invited me to his house whenever he's had a party with business associates and people of the business world." She chucked. "I even think the old man has a bit of a crush on me. He once said he found me dazzling."

"I didn't know Mr. Sallinger had gone blind." She looked at him and could see the smirk on his face. She rolled her eyes and looked back at the house.

"So just how have you seen the insides of the house?"

"Mr. Sallinger and I both enjoy going for walks. We always gave each other a polite nod when we walked passed each other, but then years ago, he stopped me as I was headed up the steps to the Sheffield mansion. He asked me how I knew them, and I told him, I was their butler. He then asked me about which food I'd serve at a dinner for friends of a country club, and I gave him some pointers. Two days later he called the mansion and asked if I could help him out. Apparently none of the cooks, he'd looked into hiring, didn't quite know how to do the food, I'd suggested. I asked Mr. Sheffield if I could go and help out Mr. Sallinger, and he said I could. However, he did ask me to try to convince him to invest in your plays." CC chuckled shaking her head.

"I bet."

Niles chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"Well, from that day I've helped him out on a few occasions. He'd hire a kitchen staff each time, but I've been in charge and instructed them. He's quite a nice chap and is quite the storyteller." CC chuckled.

"Oh yes, he most certainly is. He's also really charming, and takes a real interest in you, if he finds you interesting to begin with. He absolutely detests people, who suck up to him." Niles chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, I know and I agree. We've had nothing but pleasant conversations, and he's always been interested in my opinions and treated me with kindness and respect. That's why I've always been happy to help him out." He looked at her. "So now you know why, I've seen the house from the inside."

She nodded and his eyes went back to looking at the house.

They stood looking at the house for another few moments before they headed back to the mansion.

When they came back to the mansion CC let Chester out of his leash, and he went straight for the couch, which he'd slept on the last couple of days since staying at the mansion. CC chuckled and shook her head at the dog. She then looked at Niles.

"Well, I'm off to bed. I have that meeting with the organization in the morning."

"What time are you meeting with the organization?"

"I'm scheduled to meet them at 10.00."

"So what time do you want me to have breakfast ready?" She thought it over for a few seconds.

"8.30. That way I won't have to eat in a hurry, and I'll still have plenty of time to get off on time." He nodded and gave her a sincere small smile.

"Then I'll have breakfast ready for you at 8.30." She smiled back.

"Thanks." She looked at her watch. "Well, I should get some sleep." He nodded.

"Me too. I'll just check the locks, turn off the lights, and take a look around before heading to bed."

"Okay. Goodnight, Rubbermaid."

"Goodnight, Wench."

He started walking towards the kitchen as she headed upstairs, but he turned around to see her taking the last steps up the stairs and disappearing down the hall. He smiled to himself. The weekend had been much more enjoyable than he'd thought it would be. And it certainly had been better than the previous two weekends. However, knowing that this was as good as it was ever going to get between them, he sighed deeply as the lonely feeling swept over him once again. Hanging his head, he went on to do the tasks he'd set out to do before going to bed.

TBC