Hello, Hello!:) I hope it isn't too early for chapter 19!I actually don't have much to say apart from..they are getting closer and please enjoy!lol Oh and also read and review, as it makes me happy and much more fun to be around!;) I shall now settle down in front of the TV to watch our favourite couple...bless you, SuperRTL!:D

Disclaimer: I own nothing but a couple of dreams about Niles and C.C.!

Chapter 19: The Truce

"Maxwell, I really have to go!" C.C. said tersely, tapping her pencil against the notebook.

"C.C., I am beginning to think you are losing interest in work." Maxwell replied, giving her a stern look "I mean, we all lead busy lives. With Niles still at the hospital this house has been chaotic and unstructured and do you ever hear me complain?"

"Yes, all the bloody time." C.C. was tempted to reply, though in the given situation it was wiser to keep her mouth shut and let his speech pass.

She watched him as he talked, pacing up and down and suddenly wondered what she had ever found attractive about that man. Sure, he had reasonably good looks and a very loyal and warm character, once you had broken through that British reservation, but he could also be quite dim at times and didn't even half match the butler's wit. But why ponder past decisions, when another woman had long since made it her goal to conquer the shy Brit? Her mind and her heart for that matter were with an altogether different man of the same descent, though naturally she'd never admit that. Risking another glance at her watch she heaved a sigh when she realized that, for the third time that week, she would be late.

"Max- Mista Sheffield!" nasal tones reached her ear and she had never been happier about it.

A moment later Fran Fine shimmied into the room to unceremoniously slump on Maxwell's lap. Thanking God for the otherwise annoying nanny, she hurried to grab all of her paper work and stuffed it into her bag.

"Well, Maxwell, it seems you are a little occupied, I'd stay and work, but-"

"No need, Miss Babcock, isn't there some nice guy waitin' for ya?" Fran asked, snuggling closer to Maxwell.

"Nanny Fine, has New York run out of flashy outfits for you to buy, or why are you already here?" C.C. asked, adding the finishing touches to a wonderful performance "Unlike you, Maxwell and I have real work to do."

"Aw, sweety, do you have ta work late again?" Fran asked, pouting at the Broadway producer who had watched the exchange wordlessly "I thought maybe you and I could…" and she leaned to whisper something into his ear.

Maxwell instantly turned three shades of red and muttered something about how too much hard work had never done any good and that C.C. should enjoy a free evening. Once out of the house C.C. was tempted to punch the air in victory, manipulating Nanny Fine was too easy, seeing as she was all over Maxwell like a cat marking its territory. Speaking of cats, maybe this explained the nanny's voice… she was still laughing at her own private joke, when a cab finally pulled up in front of her.

"Lenox Hill Hospital." she told the cabbie as she took her seat in the back.

They had just left the last corner of Central Park behind when the heavy traffic of 59th Street caught up with them. Apart from a deep-rooted desire to see the butler, New York's rush hour was another reason why she had been so adamant to leave the office on time.

It was nearly 8 o'clock when she did reach the hospital and Nurse Sheila caught her on the way to the elevator.

"Tell me again why we let you get away with this, we could be sued if anyone finds out." she sighed, holding the door open for the blonde.

"It's because you are smart," C.C. said pleasantly, looking at herself in the mirror while trying to fix her hair "and you know that I'd sue you if you wouldn't allow me to see him."

"It's a win-win situation." the nurse commented dryly "But you sure care a lot about this man…" She stopped abruptly when she noticed the cold look in C.C.'s eyes.

"Good night, Sheila, always a pleasure talking to you." C.C. said, exiting the lift.

The trip to the hospital had become so familiar now that she even knew the number of steps from the elevator to his room.

"I see Maxwell has been a slave driver again." Niles greeted her, once she had closed the door.

"Yes, and only thanks to Nanny Fine am I here now." she replied, taking off her coat and throwing it over a chair that stood discarded in the corner of the room.

That bad, huh?" he commented, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

He watched her as she took a seat in her usual chair, running a hand through her golden blonde hair. He knew that he had been lucky to have survived the heart attack and to have her secretly stealing away to visit him and although he didn't want to push his luck, he had to ask her.

"Listen, C.C., why don't you just tell Max that you are coming to see me every night?"

Her inner turmoil was visibly playing on her face and he reached out to take her hand.

"What would they think?" she asked quietly and he knew that she wasn't only talking about the Sheffields.

"That you are visiting a sick man at the hospital." he said softly and still staring at her hand, he added "Maybe even that you care about him."

Instantly she withdrew her hand and began to shift nervously in her chair.

"How would it look to them? We've always hated each other and suddenly…"

"I've never hated you." he tried to make her understand.

"Good God, you know what I mean, Niles!" she exclaimed exasperatedly.

"No, C.C., quite frankly I don't understand, you are behaving like a child!" he snapped in return, his tone matching hers in volume.

"Why don't you just-"but she stopped, suddenly turning pale.

"What? Just tell me, woman!" he demanded, his voice raised.

"Niles, please, calm down…you have to be careful." she whispered, looking truly terrified.

And even though he was still angry with her for beating around the bush, he could feel himself soften at her words.

"C.C., I am not going to die just because I am fighting with you. If that would be the case, I would've died years ago." he told her.

"That's not funny, Niles." she whispered, looking down at her lap.

She could hear him move on the bed, but only realized what he was doing when she felt his hand gently pushing strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Why are you suddenly going all mushy on me, Babcock?" he asked, though the teasing was well hidden behind the sincerity of his voice.

For a moment all she did was look into his eyes, wondering how anyone could handle her vulnerability if even Niles couldn't. And as she was lost in thoughts, he leaned closer, running his fingertips over her cheek, before resting his forehead against the side of her face. They remained like this until C.C. gradually calmed down again, safety created by his simple touch and the reassuring warmth of his body. She carefully lifted her left hand and placed it on his shoulder, so that her thumb was just grazing the bare skin that wasn't concealed by the fabric of his pajamas. And suddenly it dawned on her that this man was quite capable of dealing with her sadness, that, unlike her, he had maybe even come to terms with the fact that beneath her cold exterior she was incredibly fragile. There wasn't any other logical reason for his tender and careful approach and perhaps he would even understand her reasons, if she would only tell him.

As if having read her thoughts, he quietly asked: "So tell me, why do you suddenly shrink away from a little fight?"

His lips kept feathering against her jaw, making even the simplest act, like speaking, difficult.

"Because when it comes to us, there is never a guarantee that it will only be a little fight, Niles." she answered.

"But I'm a grown man, I can handle it."

"Trust me, you've proven that multiple times, but…but have you ever thought about the possibility that I wouldn't be able to handle knowing that you died during one of those fights?"

He made a noncommittal noise and moved away so quickly, that she instantly missed the contact. Under his scrutinizing glance, she found herself rambling:

"I made a vow…I promised God that if you made it, I would no longer fight with you."

She could tell that he was trying to keep a straight face, but eventually the boyish grin secured the victory.

"I thought your alliance lay with quite another force." he commented.

At that even she couldn't help but laugh, it was such a typical remark that it would've been impossible not to react in such a way.

"Normally yes," she replied, her light-blue eyes alive again "but apparently the Babcock influence is big enough to affect even the highest power."

"Now that's much better." he said, grinning, while sliding back to lie down in bed "This other behavior was unnatural, God may have His own rules, but Babcock and Brightmore are certainly a force to be reckoned with, and natural rules should never be broken."

She smiled to herself, feeling a sudden warmth that was spreading to her fingertips.

"So tell me, Rochester, when will you be set free to torment the world again?"

"Hey, I'm fairly tame compared to you." he said, sticking out his tongue in such a childish gesture that C.C. began to laugh "As a matter of fact I'll have my last check-up tomorrow and if all goes well I will be home before the weekend."

"Excellent," she replied, getting to her feet "then I better return your feather duster."

"Why would you have it in the first place?" he questioned curiously.

"You were holding it when…it…happened, so it sorta fell into my bag…"

"Ah, give it up, Babcock!" he called after her, grinning from ear to ear "I knew you always had a thing for my feather duster!"

"Whoa, those meds just kicked in." she commented dryly, putting her coat back on and walking to the door "Besides, without me you wouldn't even have a feather duster."

"Yes, yes, whatever, get out of here!" he said.

She merely glared at him playfully and was halfway through the door when she heard him call her name.

"And C.C.?"

The silence seemed to stretch on forever and for an inexplicable reason her heart was racing.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Hate you." he said, smiling tenderly.

"Hate you more." she replied, returning his smile before exiting the room.

Thoroughly confused though she was she chose, for once, not to make herself crazy over it and in C.C. Babcock's case this meant, allowing her feelings to overwhelm the rational voice that was dying to analyze what had just happened.

If Niles Brightmore had thought that his heart attack had made a difference, he was proven wrong just a day after he had been released from the hospital. Maxwell, though concerned, was not only dealing with the entire Fine clan that seemed to visit the house more often now that he was officially dating Fran, but was also having difficulties expressing his feelings.

"You know, Sir, I didn't expect a declaration of love," Niles was commenting dryly one day, while dusting the office "but would it be too much to ask to give me some time to recover before throwing me back into work life?"

Maxwell took off his reading glasses and looked at his best friend, stammering: "Don't be silly, old man, you know…I mean… that is to say…"

"Don't overexert yourself, Sir."

Secretly Niles knew, of course, that the reason Maxwell skirted the topic of his heart attack was not because he didn't care, but rather because it would become real then, but still, it was always nice to hear that one was appreciated.

"Why don't you just give up, Butler Boy?" the voice of his favourite nemesis asked "Complaining about work…I mean, seriously, what is it you do? Though I can see why a decrepit, old man such as yourself would have difficulties lifting his arm…much less anything else."

As he turned around to glare at her, he suddenly noticed that her glance had shifted somewhat south. He knew, of course, that she was only doing it to make a point, and yet he felt a certain thrill.

"Now, C.C., don't be so hard on the poor man. It hasn't been that long since he's been released from the hospital and he is running the entire household, after all."

Just when Niles was about to return to his dusting, he noticed the smug grin playing on C.C.'s lips and couldn't help but wonder, if she had insulted him because she could predict Maxwell's reply. Her eyes were twinkling and she was making no attempt in averting her gaze. It wasn't the first time they had shared a moment like that, as a matter of fact it seemed to happen more and more often and that was why Niles had a secret plan. He had decided that it was time to seize the moment and ask C.C. out the following weekend. It wasn't supposed to be a big, romantic date, just an opportunity for them to spend some time together…alone, and if he had interpreted things correctly, that was all it would somehow Niles hadn't reckoned with the almighty Yenta.

"Max, sweety!" Fran called, rushing into the room, before noticing that they weren't alone "I mean Mr. Sheffield, Sir, there is something I'd like to talk to you about."

"As a matter of fact, Sir, so do I." Niles chimed in, noticing C.C.'s curious look.

"Ya know how I've done such a wonderful job raising ya kids?" Fran asked, adding quickly under Maxwell's stern gaze "Which is my job and you are paying for it…but…dontcha think I deserve some time off?"

"Miss Fine, the children are at school most of the day and-"

"I know, I know, but Maaax," she whined, sitting down on his lap, crossing her legs "it's the Fine family reunion next weekend, I just have ta go."

"Actually, Sir, I was going to ask you the same thing."

"What, you want to go to the Fine reunion too, old man?" Max asked, surprised.

"No, of course not, Sir." Niles replied, rolling his eyes at his boss' slow mind "I was wondering if I could have the weekend off as well?"

"Why, Dust Buster, you don't actually have a life, do you?" C.C. mocked, laughing at her own joke.

"Well, Niles has been working awfully hard, Miss Fine," Maxwell began, attempting to ignore the pouting nanny.

"Not to forget the heart attack." Niles chimed in quickly.

"But Maaax, great- grandma Iris is coming and everyone knows this could be her last reunion." Fran tried, batting her eyelashes and wiggling about in Maxwell's lap.

The poor man didn't stand a chance and so the decision was finally made (special thanks to his little producer) that Fran could go and Niles had to stay and watch the kids. After that discussion C.C. was having trouble concentrating on work, because the infuriating butler never made a reappearance. Finally she excused herself to get a bottle of water, quite certain to find him in the kitchen. As she was approaching the room she could hear Niles and Fran fighting, a rare occurrence, that suddenly cheered her up.

"So Niles, are you and Nanny Fine fighting coz she's better at kissing Maxwell's butt?" she asked upon entering the kitchen, having made sure the coast was clear.

But the butler didn't respond, only sullenly stared at his hands while cleaning some dishes.

"Oh, come on, don't make me pretend I actually care why you're upset." she coaxed, leaning closer and trying to catch his eye.

He smiled involuntarily as the scent of Chanel No. 5 filled his nostrils and looked up at her, unable to explain why exactly he was so upset.

"She gets everything she wants, because she's got Mr. Sheffield wrapped around her little finger." he complained, bearing a striking resemblance to a petulant child.

"Why hallelujah, what an epiphany!" C.C. remarked sarcastically.

"You certainly have a way of making me feel better." he sighed, drying his hands.

"You know what, Butler Boy? Maybe it's time for a truce, care to join my team for a little while and make Nanny Fine's life a living hell?" she asked, holding out her hand.

"I always thought you were the living hell." he quipped with a grin.

Glaring at him, she withdrew her hand.

"Sorry, old habits." he hurried to say and grabbed hold of her hand, before it was too late.

"Alright, from now on it's you and me, Bellboy."

"Agreed." he said with a smile, savoring the feeling of her soft hand in his.

And what fun they had, playing pranks on Fran like two devious children. Not only did they make a conscious effort to be nicer to each other and ignore Fran, by all means possible, but they also cut off her lipsticks and added horrible ingredients to her food. The best prank of them all, however, bore all the signs of a true Babcock design. C.C. had been hiding in the toilet, waiting for Niles to walk down the corridor and when he did, she called his name.

"If you think I will join you in there, you must be crazy." he said, arching an eyebrow.

Letting out an exasperated sigh she wasted no time in pulling him into the bathroom.

"I have had a wonderful idea." she declared, grinning smugly.

"To dye those grey strands of hair? Congratulations, dear." he replied with an impish grin.

"No." she said loudly, slapping his shoulder "I mixed some of the left-over pudding with yoghurt and we are going to put it in nanny Fine's favourite shoes."

"Babcock, you're a genius!" he declared, trying to refrain from kissing her.

A moment later he was sneaking down the corridor to steal said shoes, as only he knew which ones she regularly wore. When he returned, he held a pair of red pumps in his hands and wore a triumphant smile.

"Maybe I would make a good burglar." he mused, locking the bathroom door behind him.

"Yes, Niles, no-one would manage to steal a pair of shoes from a room that is wide open and accessible." C.C. commented dryly.

"Who knows? You'd be surprised by my talents." he said, joining her in filling the shoe with the gooey mixture.

"I think you're all about the talk, Butler Boy, words and nothing else."

"Oh really?" he exclaimed, driven by the need to prove himself "Maybe I'll have to show you how good I happen to look in black."

"Maybe." she replied, her voice lower and the expression in her eyes certainly…different.

"Are you toying with me, Babcock?" he growled, reaching over to spoon some of the leftover yoghurt into his mouth.

"You wish." she purred, taking the spoon from his hand to eat some yoghurt herself.

He looked from the spoon thief to the empty carton of yoghurt , to the red pumps and began to laugh out loud. This very clearly had to be one of the craziest situations for a flirt. Still laughing he lay down on his back, examining the ceiling.

"What's so funny?" C.C. asked, hovering above him, slightly hurt by his sudden outburst.

"We are." he replied, beaming up at her.

"You are a strange man, Niles Brightmore." she softly said, propping up her head on his chest, while wiping some yoghurt from the corner of his mouth.

And as quickly as that Niles realized that he didn't have to plan a weekend date, perfect moments sometimes occured when you least expected them.