A/N: I'm really happy that this story is being enjoyed. There are very few people reading it, but I completely understand if you don't like alternate meeting stories. I was once there myself. But for those who are reading this story, here's chapter five. And no, I promise Niles doesn't die. ;)

Bickering Strangers

Chapter 5

kateandharvey

CC looked at her wrist as she dialed the number yet again. Only this time, it wasn't to hear the soft deep voice of the man she'd met not too long ago, but to inform his parents of a horrible occurrence.

"Hello?" A woman's sleepy voice entered CC's ears.

"Mrs. Brightmore?" CC questioned, "It's CC."

"CC? What's wrong?" Having a woman you'd only met a few hours before call you in the middle of the night was a sure sign something was not going as planned.

"It's Niles... The doctors say he'll be alright, but... He had a heart attack."

Marie gasped. "Alright, Dear. We'll be right down. Do you need anything?"

"Actually, I am a little chilly... Could you bring me a sweater or something?"

"Of course." Marie paused, "A strapless dress isn't good for warmth, is it?"

CC laughed lightly, more to be polite than anything else. "No."

"I'll see you soon, Dear. You're at Mercy, right?"

"Yes, uh... I believe so."

"Bye bye, Dear."

"Bye." CC hung up the phone, and rested her head against the wall next to the pay phone. Closing her eyes, she sobbed.

"I'm looking for a CC Babcock?" The doctor entered the waiting room where CC sat with Marie and Joseph.

"That's me." She stood up.

"Yes, well..." The doctor sighed, "I have good news. Mr. Brightmore only had a minor attack. Nothing to be extremely worried about, but he does need to cut back on his oils and fats. Exercise only after he's rested for a week, no objections. However, I do want to keep him over night just to be on the safe side."

CC nodded, "Is there any way I can stay with him?"

"I'm sure he'd like that, he's awake now. So visitors are allowed," He looked back at Niles' parents, "But only for an hour or so." He glanced at his watch, "It's getting late... I'll see you all tomorrow." He nodded, and was off.

"Go ahead, Dear." Marie told CC.

CC shook her head, "No, you all go ahead, I'm going to stay here until you're done."

Marie and Joseph had already gone to visit and left long ago, but CC was still seated in the same chair in the waiting room. She couldn't go in there, but she had to. She knew she was in for a world of hurt. This is why you don't get attached, Chas. She told herself, laughing bitterly. She'd gotten too involved, fallen too quickly for Niles. She couldn't do this... But Babcocks can do anything, and she was a Babcock. Sighing, CC stood up and walked towards Niles' room.

Opening the door, CC tried to be quiet, hoping he was asleep.

"Where have you been?" She heard.

Turning, she winced. "In the waiting room."

"Why?"

She shrugged, sitting down in the chair beside his bed. "How are you?"

Brow furrowed, Niles knew she ignored his question. What he didn't know, was why. "I'm alright. And yourself?"

"Oh, just dandy!" She smiled bitterly.

He sighed, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Something."

"Nothing." She insisted.

"Something."

"Nothing." She told him, stern.

"Something."

She sighed, "I'm glad you're okay. Goodbye." And she stood up, heading for the door.

Scared it was now or never, Niles quickly sat up in his bed. "CC, wait!"

"I'm sorry." She whispered, trying to stop the falling tears as she opened the door.

"Chastity!"

She turned, he had caught her attention. "What?"

He relaxed in his bed, holding his hand out near the empty chair.

"What did you just say?" She asked, walking further into the room, but not sitting in the offered chair.

"Chastity Claire... It's a beautiful name." He paused, "Debbie told me."

"DD." She sighed, "Niles... I can't do this."

"Can't do what?"

"I can't..." She walked closer still, coming to rest by his bedside. "I fell too hard... Too fast."

He grabbed her hand, and put it over his heart. "Do you feel that? Do you feel it beating strong?"

Silently, she nodded. "It's for you." He explained, "Every beat."

The tears she'd acquired earlier flowed over her cheeks. She swallowed, "What I was going to tell you... Right before the attack? I was going to confess to you..." She took a deep breath, "I'm in love with you."

He smiled brightly, "And I, with you."

She laughed, and kissed him passionately. "Oh Niles!" She exclaimed, holding him tightly, "I love you so much."

He leaned down and kissed her head. "I love you too, Chastity." Pulling her up on the bed with him, he sighed, closing his eyes. "I love you too."

THE END

A/N: So Niles and CC got together! Woo! How great! I'll probably be doing another What if they were to meet a different way story soon, so check back! Remember to review, and I'll 'see' you next time!