Disclaimer: I don't own any of the fabulous characters from 'The Nanny'.

A/N: I've always wondered if this could ever really happen. Not just Niles and CC but anyone, anywhere.

Phantom of the Mansion

Chapter 6

New Years Eve

"I don't know, Max, another costume ball?" CC seemed almost nervous.

Max frowned. "Another? When have we had one before?" Max thought for a second. "You can't mean Halloween, CC. That was a simple party at the mansion. This is a huge event. I've rented the grand ballroom at the Plaza. How can you not think it's a good idea?"

Fran popped into the office. "Max, I have a question about these costumes you've chosen for us."

"What'd he do, Fran?" CC started. "Romeo and Juliet? Cinderella and Prince Charming?"

Fran shook her head as Niles entered laughing. "Oh, no, Miss Babcock. Mr. Sheffield went all out for this one. He's arranged for him and Fran to be Aladdin and Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin."

CC burst into laughter. "Well, I am so glad that I don't have to be matchy-patchy this go round." CC stood and left the office.

Fran looked at Max. "I wanted to tell you that I just love the idea, as long as I can wear the sexy blue number Jasmine wears through most of the movie."

"But of course, my dear. What else would I choose?" Max smiled. "What about you old boy, do you have a special date for this party or heading in stag?"

Niles frowned at Max's choice of words. "I'll be going alone, Sir. I thought it would be more fun to pick on Miss Babcock that way."

Max shook his head. "Be nice to CC tonight, Niles. She's been going through something ever since they started work on her penthouse." Max looked at Fran who shrugged.

"I've seen it too, Niles. She's not herself. Come on, ya had to notice that her zingers aren't as…zingy as usual." Fran looked at her friend and saw the concern in his face.

"Well, then. I'll be on my best behavior tonight and make sure no one bothers her…except me, of course." Niles winked at his friends and left the office.

"Oh, Max, they grow up so fast." Fran coos at him.

Max wrinkled his brow. "Who's grown up so fast, Darling?"

"Niles and CC, Max. I don't know what happened on Halloween, but ever since they've been different." Fran sighed.

Max kissed her lightly. "Fran, you are such a yenta. I've noticed as well. They do seem different. I just thought it was because they've been under the same roof for nearly two months."

"I guess we'll see what happens at the party tonight." Fran kissed Max. "I better go get ready. And I'll see if CC needs any help with her costume."

Max looked shocked. "CC told you she picked a costume?" Max sat down as Fran started out of the office.

"Well, maybe she didn't want to tell you because…well you may not appreciate it." Fran hesitated.

"Fran…" Max was being firm. It took everything for Fran not to laugh out loud.

"Ok, she wants to dress as the singer from 'The Phantom of the Opera', Christine somethin'." Fran admitted.

Max stood back up. "What? Phantom? That's a…" Max seethed. "Webber." He growled.

"Max, I know. But she explained it and I agree with her." Fran stopped him from being stupid.

Max stopped. "What do you mean she explained it?"

"There was someone at the Halloween party dressed as the Phantom. She's been haunted by him, her words. She's hoping he'll show up and she can finally find out who he is." Fran gave Max the look that says 'leave it.'

Max sighed. "Well, I suppose that it won't be terribly obvious. It's not like she'll wear a sign or anything."

"Well, I certainly hope not." Fran answered.

For that night, CC booked a room at the Plaza so she could get ready there. Fran asked her if she was sure and CC promised her that she was.

"I wish you'd just let David drive you over with the rest of us in the Limo." Fran told CC as she packed her overnight bag for the hotel and her garment bag with her costume.

"David is driving? Why isn't Niles driving?" CC asked concerned that maybe Niles decided not to attend the party.

Fran grinned at her new friend. "Don't worry, CC, Niles is going. Max just decided not to have him drive so he could really enjoy the party."

"Like I care if Hazel goes. Did he tell you what he's wearing?" CC asked.

Fran nodded. "When I asked him he said that he was wearing the same thing he did for the Halloween party."

"Colonel Pickering. At least it's easy." CC laughed. "I think I've got everything here, Fran."

CC grabbed her bag and started down the stairs. "CC, are you really sure about this?" Fran asked her again.

"Fran, it's the Plaza, I'll be perfectly safe." CC offered and Niles helped her slip into her coat.

"No, CC, I meant the costume. Why don't you just do the Eliza bit again?" Fran asked.

CC touched Fran's arm. "I have my reasons, Fran. Besides, I don't want to look like I'm there with the Colonel here." CC nods at Niles.

"You wish." Niles countered.

"Oy, you should both be so lucky." Fran mumbles quietly.

"What did you say, Fran?" CC asked as she started out the door.

"Uhm…I said Oy would you look at the time…y." Fran made a face. "I better start getting ready. Jasmine had pretty big hair." Fran starts up the stairs. "I'll see ya at the party, CC!"

"Miss Babcock, are you positive you don't want to get ready here and go over with the rest of us?" Niles gave her his most protective look.

CC's hand found his cheek, warm and soft. "I'll be fine, Niles. I promise, I'll be very careful." Their eyes locked for a moment. "I'll talk to you tonight, Colonel Pickering."

Niles watched as CC climbed into the waiting cab. "I certainly hope so." Niles checked his watch. "I'd better get this show on the road." He turned and started up the stairs to his room.