Hi, people. Thank you for the reviews and PMs, again!
Here we go with one daring chapter.
I think it can help if you listen to the mentioned songs.
The Marriage
Chapter 6: Ceeee-le-brate good times, come on!
Sometimes CC stopped to ponder how they were managing to make this project work.
Because, when you think of it, she is not a well woman… all business and loneliness and strict behavior standards for the major part of her life… And Niles is a very… peculiar character, being a British butler in the United States, dedicating his life to a family and not having his own until his middle age.
They had very little in common, at a first glance.
(But they were making it a success, so maybe first and hurried glances had nothing to do with them).
More than this: she had never been so sure about something in her life.
When her mother called and the first thing she yelled was 'Did you at least sign a pre-nup?!', all CC could do was grin, because the perfect answer was the truth, 'Yes, mother, he made me do it'.
She knew the old bat didn't die in that moment because her lawyer called later to say her mother had asked him for information regarding the documents, what CC had already authorized him to give, in case her family demanded it.
But it was damn good to say something like that and simply hang up on her mother, letting her to wonder what that meant!
CC was surprised by some decisions she was taking, and that had nothing to do with what she thought marriage would be about: she had hoped, for example, that the moment of signing the papers would be the most thrilling of the first days of relationship.
She was very wrong: being together studying documents and signing them was a simple task, and even funny – because she and Niles made some jokes that amused the old family lawyer. At the end of the meeting the man was grinning, but at the first exchange of 'Bell Boy' and 'Crazy Woman' (Niles was sedated in front of the man) he seemed to be at one step of calling the cops.
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Sometimes she wondered what was the most thrilling moment of their life together.
There were a lot of possibilities to pick; among them, things like the first sex without a condom.
When they had had just their first night (and following day) of sex, and even if CC was well aware of the dangers of STDs and etc, she found more and more difficult to keep thinking of bad things when they were in bed (or whenever they did it). Their intimacy was new but strangely strong, and CC started thinking that it was just natural that they develop things into a level of… nothing between them.
She decided it was a good moment to broach the subject in their second night together, when they had just made sex and their hearts were starting to get close to normal rhythm again. Her head was on his chest, listening attentively. She liked to hear his heartbeat – it was one of the things about him that told her how he felt.
His eyes were great to expose him, too, as his smile, as his posture, but the heartbeat had the advantage of not requiring her to be under his great observation skills. CC liked to see without being seen – it gave her an advantage.
'Niles, I've been thinking about something'.
He noticed her careful tone and quickly made a mental review of what they had just made, looking for any problem. He didn't find one (and would be really surprised if he had), so he decided not to offer anything that could put her on guard. 'Yes?'
'I was never in a serious relationship before. I mean, I have been serious, but it didn't last…', he made a sound of understanding, and she went on, 'I always wished I could have the experience of… you know… having sex without… protection'.
She blushed violently, and thanked herself for this position, so he was not seeing her now.
'I would like that, too', he softly said, caressing her hair. 'But have you thought about what it means?'
'Danger?', she asked, confused.
'I was being more specific. Pregnancy and trust'.
'Oh. Well, about pregnancy, I have already told you: doctors said I have a minimum possibility of having children'.
'Yes, you have, and I insist that a minimum possibility is a possibility'.
'I think I wouldn't mind if it happened. It would be like a miracle'. She could hear his heart beating faster at that. She found it a bit funny, 'Do you want children? You never told me, but once you didn't back off from the proposition once I told you about my issues, I presumed you didn't care'.
'It would be amazing if we were blessed it children', he answered, 'but I always thought that this we could have was so great that children would be something to be added, not the center of it all'.
'Good', she murmured, agreeing, 'And the trust thing? What is it?'
'Suppose we decide to do it. We'll make exams to make sure we are clean, and then we will put protection aside. Exams can tell you about the past. They can't give you any answer about the future'.
'I got it. Every time we don't use a condom is a time when the trust is renewed', she took his hand that was resting on his chest, 'I think this is part of the deal – trusting the person you have chosen and knowing the other does the same'.
Again, the accelerated heartbeat. She could hear the smile in his voice at her gesture and her words, 'If you feel like this, I'm in'.
'Examinations tomorrow?', was her immediate question, and she received a happy nod in return.
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The few days of waiting made them strangely close. CC was even a bit disturbed by the sweetness he was putting in their proximity, and she had a vague notion that it was related to the trust she had implied when bringing the matter on.
The experience in her table at their first morning together, when Niles was really creative with her body, showed her the man needed freedom to do things.
Thinking again, some of them he would never have done if he didn't trust her already...
Anyway, that gave her the certainty she needed that everything they could do to guarantee their intimacy would be great for their arrangement.
Both had always been careful when they dated someone (and, let's be frank, they didn't date to the point of sex that much). So, they found themselves discussing the possibility of not waiting at all, and it was him (obviously, Mr-one-step-at-a-time) who pointed out that, even if the two of them had been chaste/careful, it made no sense to spoil the sense of anticipation.
'You'll pay when I have the results in hand', she had menaced him, eagerly opening the pack of one of the last condoms she hoped they would use.
'I'm counting on it, trollop', and he winked at her in a way that made her roll her eyes and grin.
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One day she walked into the mansion's living room and saw Niles entering by the front door, the mail on his hands.
He smiled at her, went to the small table and started organizing the correspondence.
CC came to his side, pretending she didn't care if the exams had arrived at the correct date.
To look at his hands while he was working was good enough.
'Here they are', he announced, showing her two sealed envelopes.
CC took them from his hands, and he resumed his task with the other things.
He was good at pretending, too.
She could barely believe it. She kept looking at their names in the covers. They had signed their marriage papers yesterday, and she had in her hands the things that could imply such a trust in her partner that was almost ridiculous how important this decision really was.
'Aren't you opening them?', Niles asked, not able to pretend anymore.
She was surprised that her hands were trembling and motioned the papers at him. 'You do it'.
He let the mail on the table and turned to her, 'Are you nervous?'
'Stop asking questions!'
'Stop giving orders'.
'I'm sorry. I just don't know what came over me. I know I'm clean, I've always been careful, but these things could seal our destiny, because they will be like mark one in a lifelong street…'
'Calm down, Babcock', he came to her, very serious, 'Let's open them together, no dramatic gestures, and everything will be all right'.
'But what if it is not? I had never thought about it before, but now… Aren't you not even a bit nervous?'
'Of course I am. Why do you think I want to do it as soon as possible?', Niles took the envelope with her name and opened it quickly, turning it to her without looking. 'What does it say?'
She was surprised and just looked at the paper, 'It says… thank God, I am ok!'
He shook his head at her and started opening his, 'Stop this all relieved face or I'll think my tramp jokes had some truth in them', he turned again the results to her without looking first, 'What does mine say?'
She was surprised again, but looked and smiled, 'Same thing'.
Niles smiled back, ripping the things apart, 'It seems we are cleaned to proceed'.
CC went to his arms and kissed him, 'Where?'
'The penthouse, no doubt. I think we'll need all the privacy we can get'.
'It's a date, then!'
And that night they went to the penthouse with the town car, after dining with the Sheffields, the quickest they managed.
Both were incredibly anxious.
They entered the apartment, Niles closed and locked the door and CC turned to him and bit her lower lip.
He took her hand in his. 'It feels like a first time, doesn't it?', he smiled nervously, 'I'm giddy as a schoolgirl!'
She had to laugh at that, and then kissed him briefly, 'Yes, it does'. She started to guide him to the bedroom.
They got there, let go of the hands and started taking their clothes off.
They were standing in front of each other, attentive to gestures and glances. The idea was intimacy, and they already had enough of that they could take their clothes off as if it was a little show – a show that could be appreciated just by each other.
When they were nude, CC went to the bed silently and lied down, facing him.
Niles could feel his heart soaring. He knew she wanted what he wanted: to savor the feeling of him in her. They liked their little games and all that came with them, but the point now was enjoying the closeness.
He lied down on top of her, taking advantage of her parted legs, started kissing her and letting his hands explore her breasts.
She gasped in pleasure and pleaded, 'What are you doing…?'
'It is like a first time. I want you to like it, so you'll want more'.
'I already want more', she answered, taking his face in her hands and making him look into her eyes. 'Please, give it to me'.
'Yes', and he did, slowly and without taking his eyes from hers.
At least, they tried to, but both had to close them for some moments when it finally happened, because it was almost too much.
Sometimes CC remembered that night and the much she enjoyed that feeling and was sure – yes, first time without a condom had been a highlight moment, because it was great physical sensation, but not just sex.
She didn't know exactly what it was about, but whatever it was, the important thing is that it made her incredibly… whole.
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Obviously, it was not enough that Nanny Fine had to do a party that took a lot of Niles' time for the last weeks.
She had to make it a theme party.
Disco.
In those weeks CC had discovered what really meant to be married to the best friend of Fran Fine, and that she had to learn to live with the amount of frantic activity and nonsense that woman could create around her.
But nothing prepared CC for the possibility of the people who surrounded the brunette being taken by her craziness.
She woke up with a smile on her face, because she was at Niles' old bedroom at the Sheffields, sleeping in (it was not really sleeping in, but she liked to think that way), and with her husband's voice close to her ear, calling her.
He was using the strange soft tone she knew meant trouble.
She sighed, because he had already tried 'Witch' and 'Ice Queen' and, once she didn't react, had gone for 'Kiddo' and 'Babsy'.
When he used 'My goddess' it was so unusual she couldn't stand it anymore. 'All right, Butler Boy', she turned to him, her eyes open. 'How bad is it?'
He made a contrite face. 'Well, you didn't hear it from me, but I think you should go to the office to supervise the arrangements for Miss Fine's birthday party'.
'What the hell has the office to do with Nanny F… Oh, no'.
'I'm sorry, but oops, he did it again'.
CC got up in a jolt, 'Catch me up while I make myself presentable'.
'Why bother? One can't fight nature to that extent'.
'You're right! I'm going down like this!'
And she was really going, so Niles had to block the path to the door quickly, 'Whoa, Babcock! Calm down!'
'I won't accept Maxwell mingling things again, Niles! It was supposed to be a common party for common people, and now he is trying to make it into a backer's party… I had discussed this with him before, and he had promised me he wouldn't change his mind!'
'Listen, Miss Babcock', he put his hands on her forearms, 'I don't want it to be another occasion for you to work, too, but you won't get anything from him if you go down agitated like that. In fact, maybe you won't be able to make him change his mind about the party, now. He is very assertive about it'.
She seated at the bed. 'It is not just because I didn't want to work. It is because we'll be dressed as clowns…'
'It is a theme party – everybody will be wearing a costume'.
'…the Fine Family will be all around the place…'
'They can be very funny'.
'…some backers are damn boring…'
'So, that is a good point!', Niles seated at her side, 'Let's go there and revise the guest list'.
'Good!', she agreed, happily, 'Do I have time to put my mask, now, so I won't frighten the folk?'
'I will even help you'.
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That's how they managed to make the event something that had at least some chance of being a fun night, and not just one more terrible way of Maxwell showing how much he cared for his Nanny.
Now, CC was in front of the mirror, looking fascinated at her own reflection – yellow bell-bottom trousers and red shirt, her hair a Farrah Fawcett style. 'I still can't believe I'm doing this'.
Niles approached her from behind, 'What are you growling at?', he looked at her reflection. 'You look amazing!'
CC turned to him to use her fingers to form the correct line of hair on his forehead – the seventies could use this much of hair he had. She had convinced him to cut it shorter on the nape, so the visual would be reinforced. He conceded, once she was making the Charlie's Angels thing on her hair.
CC gave him the once over: Niles was wearing the same kind of trousers as hers, in a deep red, a white flowery shirt and a vest matching the trousers.
And he thought she was amazing? That man was incredible in that vest over the white shirt!
'It could be worse', he was saying, 'Fran could have asked us to reenact our true visuals for that decade'.
'She wouldn't dare. Can you imagine how was she at the seventies?'
Both snickered at that, and he commented, 'You are right. And I'm glad the idea wouldn't cross her mind, so the world won't have to see again your natural hair color'.
'The same can be said about your moustache'.
Both groaned.
'Look at us: living together, chatting before going to a theme party together and saying that we think we are better now than we were two decades ago'. CC shook her head, smiling, 'This marriage has really softened us'.
Niles just smiled back and took her hand, so they could go.
She mused, following him, 'Do you think we can make your Birthday party a theme one, too? We could make it Movies, and then you would wear your Risky Business outfit'.
'Do you really think I should go in public with an outfit that was supposed to be just for your eyes?'
'What do you mean?! You didn't even know I was going to the mansion, that day!'
'Don't you believe in fate?'
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What CC expected: a boring gathering of Fines and Sheffields (and Toriellos, God preserve us!) mixed with a bunch of easy-going and totally nut wealthy people.
However, once CC decided she was not taking any of her surreal surroundings seriously, the party went very well: it was a light informal affair, with people well dressed (70s well dressed) but not exactly fancy, what permitted that the Fine Family were present without being that strange. In fact, they seemed to be in their natural habitat...
CC was sure they would do something to ruin Maxwell's and her reputations, once this party was being thrown by the producers; however, to her great surprise, until that moment everything was all right.
She saw some guests laughing hard, asked them what was so funny and discovered that Niles had told them the strange people with unreasonable comments were a group of actors specially hired to create 'happenings' and live up the party.
It made the bakers very enthusiastic about giving money to the producers who would hire such a creative and funny bunch of people. Maybe their next musical could be a good comedy?
CC had found a seat and was thinking now of how Niles always seemed to solve some of their problems, when she heard his voice on her ear.
'Is there anything I can get you?'
God! Can he be more attentive than this?, she asked herself, basking in the warm tone of voice he seemed to use specially for her. 'No, thank you, I was just thinking that you should sit down with me for a while'.
He obeyed, sitting at her side. 'Missed me?'
'Uhmpf. Hardly, once you didn't stop parading until now'.
'I was not parading, I was making sure everybody is satisfied. I don't know why I even bother explaining this to you. Making others satisfied is an alien notion to the kinds of you'.
'Aw, poor baby! You surely are loosing your memory, aren't you?', she mocked him.
He winked at her, 'You wish'.
She shook her head, 'But seriously, you can take a break. People are satisfied. Look over there – that millionaire is more than happy to listen to Yetta. We are probably beholding the blossoming of a beautiful friendship...'
She gave her throaty laugh and he smiled, enchanted, 'Let people have fun, Babcock'.
'Oh, and let the animals run free. I remember: you're partial to the beasts'.
She said that smiling back to him, trying to ease the tension she could see in his way of sitting there. He was humoring her, what was very cute, but she didn't want the man to be so worried about a party that officially was just an informal one.
Now, looking at him and the way he still smiled while his hand absentmindedly touched the cloth of her shirt's sleeve, CC felt again a wave of tenderness for Niles and for all the care he had for all the aspects of her and Maxwell's lives.
'You know that Yetta came to talk to me earlier, don't you?', she asked, attracting his attention and changing the subject from the feelings that were trying to overwhelm her.
'I've seen the two of you talking, but I couldn't come over'.
CC smirked, 'She said she was very happy for us and asked me to tell Neil that the food was great and all but she was still waiting for his dance moves'.
'What part of it was really Yetta's?'
'Happy for us and Neil?'
'Why, I'm glad you liked the food!'
She rolled her eyes.
Niles made a gesture at her, 'Wait a moment. I'll be back'.
He went running to talk to the DJ. CC smiled – he probably was asking for some songs, and she felt happy at seeing him all joyful. No matter what he chose, she was sure she would be thrilled when dancing with him.
To her surprise, Nanny Fine appeared by his side, and they were discussing something hotly.
Again, she had to learn how to live with it: her husband was best friends with a crazy slut, and now they were laughing while deciding which songs they wanted played at her party.
CC almost liked the Nanny when she noticed how the woman was able to make Niles get loose of some of his strict behavior. Maybe she should be grateful, because it was the Nanny's presence that made her notice how Maxwell was not the man for her, and made her turn to Niles, the one that seemed to understand her and be always there to interact with her when she needed.
Nah. Nanny Fine was too damn good at attracting attention to her, and CC didn't like to see her husband grinning that much to another woman. OK, she was the Birthday Girl (as if!), and they were very close, but his warmth should be directed at her, not the crazy brunette.
That conversation around the DJ could last forever, so CC got up and started walking into their direction, going through the almost empty dance floor.
That was when started playing Super Freak, and she stopped.
There, at the other end of the dance floor, looking at her and making the most outrageously sexy 'come hither' look of all times, was Niles.
He reached her just in time to take her hands and sing She is a very kinky girl…
CC laughed and found that she didn't need to worry: the party was just starting to get really interesting for her.
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Next song was for Maxwell and Fran, if the knowing look Niles was throwing them was any indication.
The reason why her business partner seemed ashamed and Fran winked at Niles at the sound of If you think I'm sexy, CC had no idea.
She expressed her confusion to Niles, who couldn't stop laughing, he just answered, 'Wait for the Rod Stewart impersonation', and she couldn't quite believe her eyes when Maxwell eventually did it.
When the song was over, another Rick James began, and Niles was at it, again.
C-O-M-E, come into my life!
CC just mouthed, 'Really?', and couldn't resist joining him for the sensual dance moves.
She didn't know if it was funnier or sexier when he grabbed her waist to him and looked into her eyes: Don't be afraid or hesitate, I won't hurt you or make you wait.
She gave up deciding, made her own sexy hip moves and laughed when he backed away just to be able to come closer again, shaking his shoulders and asking: Don't you know I am the one/knocking on your door/Begging you for more?
And his voice went very well when he shouted with the singer: Come on, baby, come into my life! Come on, baby, it could be so nice!
Next song was for Max and Fran again (Hungry Eyes), and CC had time to calm down a little and cling to a sweaty and grinning Niles, 'Are we over with the Rick James?'
'The DJ thought we were fighting and said each one of us had to choose one CD and go away. So, Miss Fine picked a Movie Themes one, and I picked the Rick James Greatest Hits. Each one of us has one more song to go', he looked at her, 'What? No good?'
'I liked your pick, Funky Boy, but I wonder where the romantic in you are'.
'Oh, just wait and see', he swirled her, 'If you think now I've got hungry eyes, you'll see what I have chosen for next song'.
CC giggled and came to his arms, 'I'll want a Rick James impersonation when I get you alone'. She caressed his hair, 'Your voice went very well with his, and you already have the tight pants, but I missed the cleavage'.
'Stop that, woman. I'm trying to put you in the mood for some romanticism, here', he tried to sound severe, 'And tight pants and cleavage, ok, but no shining skin thingy'.
'Oh, I wouldn't put you in such a situation. You would never be able to do a perfect cover, anyway'.
'Are you challenging me?'
'You can bet I am'.
'All right. I'll do it. However, now the song I chose will start and I require your collaboration'.
'I'm sure you don't have a choreography for me to follow'.
'No, I want you to sing to me'.
'Oh, God'.
'Just for me, baby!'
CC nodded and had to hug him to not fall laughing when Ebony Eyes began.
Niles was grinning, 'Hey, focus! No Ricky for you if you don't help me here!'
'Ok, ok', she sobered and started to dance with the appropriated enthusiasm, swing and facial expressions this particular love song required.
'I'll start', he said in her ear and then looked at her eyes.
Wind in your hair – he run his fingers through her blond locks
Sun on your skin – he put his hand over his eyes, as if blocking the sun, and with it came the memory of an astonishing vacation spent in a tropical island together while claiming they wanted to be apart
You're looking good, girl – oh, the 'come hither' look, again
All over again – a wink to reinforce the meaning
Hey, there, Miss Brown – a fake confused frown while looking at her hair
I want you to know – a finger pointed at her
I love you
CC smiled. It didn't sound so strange when it was said like this. It was not to her, in fact. It was to the brown girl of the song.
He resumed.
Brown as the sand – a dreamy look on his face, just to provoke her
Soft as the shore – now, an approving look at her body
You're leaving me hungry – yes, she could see it
And crying for more – oh, yes, she could see it!
Oh, really, baby, girl, you're such a score – a quick kiss on her lips
And I want you to know that – he pointed at her. Why?
Oh, it was chorus time, and she had to honor her word.
Even if it could suggest that she listened to love songs. What. She. Did. Not. Do.
I love you – yeah, it was not strange when said like this
I bet you didn't know that, girl – calling him a girl was always hilarious
(You didn't know that) – he sang for her, to complete the duet
I need you
(By now baby, by now, baby) – he sang again, and with such a dramatic gesture that she almost didn't stop laughing in time, but was able to make it to the next verses
And I bet you didn't know that
Ebony eyes
They were grinning, because it was too damn funny, and the sensation of having fun together like this, mocking love songs, was great.
In fact, they were not really mocking. They were enjoying the loving lyrics, because it didn't matter if their eyes were blue and not ebony, the amazing feeling was there anyway.
He resumed his part.
Lips soft and tender – his hand touched lightly her bottom lip
Ready to speak – it gave her ideas
Her voice says I love you – he sang very low
(I love you) – she made the woman's voice in the song
And it's making me weak – his voice showed he had been impressed by her participation
Hey there, little girl – his eyes turned very serious
May I just say – she could feel her own anticipation, this time
I love you
CC started to feel drawn by the way he had his eyes firmly set on hers while singing lowly.
Love is the brown skin girl in my eyes – he sang this verse as if really realizing something
Think it is time that I told you – it felt like the words were his
Don't you realize?
You're such a queen
Girl, you're such a prize
I want you to know that
CC had had the intention of singing her part again, but the enthusiasm was so great that they kissed through all of it, what made it impossible for her to accomplish her mission.
'Cheater', she murmured, when they stopped and kept dancing cheek to cheek, eyes closed.
'Uhm?'
'I couldn't sing, now I won't get my private show'.
'You'll still get it. Tight pants, cleavage, but no shining skin, as I have won'.
She sighed, pretending she was accepting defeat.
More slow moves, and she talked again. 'What's next? Nanny Fine managed to extract some Streisand from her CD?'
'No, it is time for a song we both agreed on'.
'Now I'm curious'.
Don't close your eyes tonight gave Niles the opportunity to look deeply in her eyes and say that there was a tenderness there that he felt and was very real, and that he wanted her to be with him, and not with some fantasy.
The second part of the song was dedicated to more kissing and murmuring sweet nonsense into each other's ears, especially after the Look me in the eyes/ Tell me what you see part.
Fran had Maxwell looking at the couple from their spot on the dance floor, 'Told ya'.
He was baffled, 'You were right! They are really in love…', he looked at her, 'Do you think we should do anything?'
Fran almost said she had some planning about him, Maxwell, but he was so obvious to it that she decided it was wiser to keep things slowly on everybody, tonight, 'I plan on doing something, but not now. There is one last song to our list and I want us to dance it without thinking too hard'.
'But, if it is a slow one, they will be in the mood for romance. Maybe it is your chance to manipulate them'.
She slapped his arm, 'First, I don't manipulate. I give little pushes. Second, if you think they can be more in mood for romance, it explains a lot about you, Mister!'
Maxwell was going to react, but Last train to London reached him and he had to find Niles, so they could make the dance moves that had shook some of their teenage nights.
And when the two boys sang to them that they really wanted tonight to last forever, the girls had just to agree.
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'Do you want to go home?', CC asked, a bit worried about the way Niles passed his hand on his hair and grimaced at the sweat that came in it.
'I must confess that I've started to feel a bit tired, but I would never let you alone here', he looked at her pointedly, 'You're all hot and sweaty. The villagers may panic'.
CC smiled. If he had said it a week ago, it would be insecurity, but they had already talked about it, so she knew he was just being his usual protective of her.
She really liked that feeling of being trusted and cherished.
They looked at the dance floor, and there were Maxwell and Fran, Morty and Sylvia, Yetta and her new friend dancing and shouting Hands up, baby, hands up, gimme your heart, gimme, gimme your heart, gimme, gimme!
She sighed. 'You were right. They are funny'.
He chuckled and then looked at her, 'So, no regrets for coming?'
'Never'.
They held hands, smiling at each other.
'Thinking again', she said, suddenly, 'What do you think of one last dance and we go home?'
'Oh, well, I could go for the sacrifice, if this will appease the pagan entity that honored us with her presence'.
She got up and went to the DJ. She was very quick, and soon was back.
'He has yet a Roxette's request from Val and then he will play our song', she explained, sitting again by his side.
'Uhm', he agreed, deciding not to ask what she was calling 'their song'. He would know in a while, anyway.
It must have been love was already playing when CC talked again, 'I wonder why she didn't ask for an 80s party right away'.
'She thought of it, but it would give her family an excuse to dress as if they were going to the gym'.
'Uhm?'
'Physical, let's get physical…', he sang to her, grinning.
'Oh', she grimaced, 'God, what a mental image!'
'Getting physical?', he pretended to be surprised.
'I'm over it, now, Butler Boy', she took his hand. 'Come on, let's dance'.
He followed her and felt a silly grin appear on his face when he recognized the first chords of Our love is here to stay. It was probably one of the first classy songs to play that night, and he was impressed that she had managed to convince the DJ to go for that.
Their bodies molded together in a way that was impossible the first time they danced that song, after she received her award. That night had been special, with her prize, the tore check and all, but now they were married, it was very late and they could do whatever they wanted.
The dance floor was almost empty (Roxette had made some people emotive), and they just stayed like that, very close and swaying slowly.
'I'll never forget that night', Niles murmured. When CC just sighed, he went back a bit, so he could look at her, 'Did I say something wrong?'
'No, dear', she answered sweetly, caressing his face, 'It is just so… perfect'.
'What?'
'Everything. The marriage. Our life together. Us', she smiled, 'A lot of things changed after we got together, and all for the better… I never guessed it would be like this'.
He frowned, 'I think I'm insulted. You really doubted I was perfect?'
She rolled her eyes at him, grinning, and he resumed their previous position, so he could talk close to her ear, 'I entered this relationship without knowing exactly what to do, but knowing I had to do my best for you, Babs. In fact, I have been doing it for a while, even if I hadn't noticed, or tried to hide it. You have no idea how happy I am that you are satisfied with our arrangement'.
'Satisfied?', she looked at him, 'I can't get no satisfaction, Butler Boy. I always want more and more of you'.
Once Val had stopped wailing (it was a bad idea letting her ask for the Roxette), Fran noticed the song, sought the couple and saw them at the dance floor, enchanted by each other.
That was so obviously not a business contract, anymore, that she didn't have any idea of how she would be able to point the flagrant situation to those two.
They were lost in love but, for some reason, admitting it seemed to be too much.
If she was not so worried their lack of admittance would make them more bad than good, she would let them at it; however, Fran was sure it was a question of time for something to happen and break the magic. They were so well now, happier and more positive in general, that she didn't want to risk they went back to their previous relationship – the one that had them denying their real feelings.
Well, they were still denying it, but now she had evidence to support her case.
That kiss in the middle of the dance floor, now, for example, tender and hot, was securely registered by the photographer she had hired for the party, as were a lot of other images of them that Fran had specially asked for.
If her quest for their happiness was not enough, she would have the pleasure to laugh at their faces while she embarrassed them with the proofs of how ridiculously romantic they were while dancing at her 70's party.
It sounded bad. Her 30's party, 70's style.
ncncncncnc
'Thank God!', CC declared, taking off her shoes and throwing them away with all the force she could muster, once she entered the penthouse.
'I couldn't stand one more minute of that, too', Niles agreed, locking the door, 'Some people didn't even know where they were anymore!'
'You better pray that Yetta's new friend forgets that you and Maxwell had to carry him to the men's room'.
'I wish I could forget that'.
She let herself fall on the sofa, laughing hard.
'You find it funny because you were not there to behold what we had to!'
She laughed harder.
'Babs! How much did you drink?', he asked, smiling at her.
She managed to answer, 'Two glasses of champagne, I think', and then went serious, 'Isn't it shocking? I'm sober, tired as hell, but feeling light and happy as a fool'.
He kept looking at her. She still had the spark that a good laugh could put in her eyes, and Niles sit down besides her legs. 'It is good, isn't it?'
'Yes, it is. I'm just not that used to it'.
'Oh, Miss Babcock, I know you had your share of drinking, but it is not like you had always come home inebriated after backer parties'.
'No, but it's not just the drinking. I mean, it has to do with the fact I have you… as in someone to stay the night and never go away'. She seemed suddenly shy, 'I don't know exactly how to explain this'.
'You don't have to. I feel the same'.
She looked at him again, saw the sincerity in his eyes and took him by the vest to kiss him. He kissed her back, but both were really tired, and soon she stopped and decided to make a proposition, 'I really want you, now, but… I'm so exhausted…'
'I don't know if you remember, but you are almost a decade younger than me. I don't think I could keep up with you tonight, even if you wanted it'.
'Let's go easy, then', CC smiled and resumed giving him light kisses, 'But what do you think of us doing an experiment, tomorrow?'
He didn't stop kissing her back, 'What kind of experiment?'
'It is just something I've been thinking', she stopped to look him in the eye and bit her lower lip.
And he knew he had lost, curiosity and fondness winning him over. 'All right, what is it?'
She clapped her hands, 'Tomorrow is Saturday – well, in fact, today is Saturday – so we can rest now and then talk about it when we wake up. Go shower in the suite. I'll shower in the guest bathroom, so we'll make it quicker, and will soon be meeting you in bed'.
'All right, let's go', he moved a bit and then stopped, 'Do I need to be prepared for something bizarre?'
'Don't worry, I think you'll like it', she caressed his cheek, 'Let's just take our time. I'll meet you soon, so we can rest and be prepared for one of my ideas'.
He got up, helped her to her feet and then grimaced, put a hand on his chest and begged, 'Please, promise me you'll wash at least your feet, before sharing the bed with me?'
She giggled, 'I promise'.
He made a stern face, 'I don't believe you. Come to the shower with me, so I can be sure'.
'All right, but I am not telling'.
'That is what we'll see'.
