A/N: I think this is a record for how many chapters I've written in such a short amount of time! Here's chapter 3... (Written in the same day as Chapter 1, thank you very much!) And, the original plan was to make you wait for each chapter, but I couldn't help myself! The story's finished, so here's all of them! :)
Bickering Strangers
Chapter 3
kateandharvey
The wedding went very well. The couple decided to write their own vows, so there were a few tears here and there... But it was a good wedding all in all. The only part CC didn't like about the wedding... She and Niles were seated on opposite sides of the church. Her on the bride's side, and him on the groom's. So as they walked out of the church, hand in hand, they were happy. Really happy...
"What would you like to drink?" He whispered in her ear once they'd reached the reception and were seated.
"You already know." She smiled, reminding him of their time at the restaurant. He smirked back at her, walking away for some drinks.
"That Niles..." Richard's sister whispered, seated next to CC at the table, "He's wonderful. You've got yourself a catch."
"Don't I know it." CC whispered back.
When he appeared with her tea, he grabbed her hand. "Would you care to dance?"
"Love to." She responded, and he pulled her from her chair, and onto the dance floor.
Dancing slowly, he stared into her eyes. "You're very beautiful, CC."
Blushing, she looked downward. "Hey." He put his finger under her chin, lifting her head. "You are." He repeated, looking into her eyes. "Especially those eyes of yours."
She smiled again, and pulled him close, resting her head on his shoulder. "Is this real?" She whispered into his neck.
He nodded, "It is." And he held her just a little bit tighter.
Closing her eyes, CC began to get comfortable. It was amazing how dancing with one man could make all of her stress melt away."CC?" He whispered.
"Hmm?" She groaned.
He smiled, "Can I tell you something?"
"Mhm."
He swallowed. "I think I lo-"
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The DJ's voice boomed over the speakers. "It's time for some dinner! So if you could all return to your seats, it'd be greatly appreciated."
Niles sighed, he'd missed his chance. He and CC slowly made their way back to their table. As the waiter set a plate in front of CC, she looked at Niles. "It looks amazing!"
Niles nodded, smiling at he happiness. "It does."
"CC!" The couple heard while dancing after dinner.
CC groaned.
"Who's that?" Niles asked, looking at a woman across the room.
"My mother.. Niles, please, you have to do something! She's coming this way!"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Anything." CC replied, "Anything to get her to not talk to me."
Seeing CC's mother fast approaching, and the desperate look on CC's face, Niles looked directly at CC, "This is because I want to, not just because of your mother." And he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
"CC!" Her mother yelled in surprise, tapping CC on the shoulder.
Pulling away from Niles, CC turned to her mother. "Hello, Mother." She smiled.
"Hello..."
"This is Niles," CC began, "Ric-"
"-Richard's best man. Yes, I know." CC's mother cut her off. "I didn't expect to see you here with a date- nonetheless the groom's best man, but... You have always gotten around."
Niles stared at CC's mother in shock.
"Yes, well... Niles, this is my mother. BB."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Niles told her, shaking her hand.
"I wish I could say the same." BB stated nonchalantly. "Anyway, enjoy the party!" And she walked away.
"That was your mother?" Niles asked CC as they resumed their dance.
"Yes." CC admitted. "If you don't want to do... uh... this." She waved her hand in between them, "Anymore, I understand."
"What?" Niles questioned, "CC, I'm not going to leave because of your mother."
"You're not?" She asked.
"No." He dismissed the idea strongly, "The only reason I was asking was because... This is going to sound corny, but I swear it's the truth... I was only asking because I didn't understand how a woman so beautiful as yourself could come from a woman like that."
CC smiled, blushing again. "So you don't think I really get around?"
"Well I'd understand if you did- look at yourself! You're gorgeous! Besides... I am still paying by the hour." He winked, and she laughed.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." He smiled, and they continued dancing.
As they danced, CC thought about their relationship. Here she was, dancing with a complete stranger... And not only were they dancing now, but they'd kissed... Twice! CC truly believed that Niles was the best thing to ever happen to her. And that we would be, in the future, the best thing. Sighing contentedly, CC once again placed her head on Niles' should and smiled softly.
"Alright..." The DJ announced once again, "We're going to get ready for the garter toss! So every single guy in the room, come to the center..."
CC looked at Niles, smiling. "Go."
And he did.
Richard held the garter already in his hand. He turned, and tossed it. Immediately, it landed right into Niles' open palms. He turned, and smiled at CC.
She held up two thumbs up, and smiled back.
Niles was happy about catching the garter, but CC had to catch bouquet. And if she didn't...
"Alright ladies! It's time for the bouquet toss... Sir, what's your name?"
Niles pointed at himself in question. At the DJ's nod, he answered, "Niles."
"Nice..." He continued announcing, "Now ladies, which one of you wants the garter put on by Mr. Niles?"
As DD held the bouquet, all of the single ladies gathered. DD tossed the bouquet into the air, and it flew over to the girls...