A/N: Can't remember how many times I've changed the circumstances, changed the dialogue, changed the scenes the past two weeks everyday between 6:00AM-8:00AM just before I go to work. I hope you guys enjoy. This is for the Team CC. I hope I get to e-meet any of you out there.

Niles gloated as he turned on the ignition. It sure felt like he was driving a luxury car with his beautiful girlfriend at the passenger's side. It was an awesome feeling. The car was a bonus, but he was ecstatic at the prospect of spending the day with the woman he secretly loved.

He watched from the side of his eyes as she silently re-applied her make up, watching herself from a silver portable mirror that miraculously stood on the dashboard.

He saw her dab her face with a translucent multi-colored powder in a square box then tossed it inside her open cosmetics case. Givenchy Prisme Libre, read Niles.

Then she took out her vibrating mascara with a rose logo. Lancome, thought Niles.

He was busy watching her from the corner of his eye that he missed his turn, fortunately so did CC. She was so busy she didn't notice they were heading towards the Upper East side. Niles immediately turned to the next stop to go back on track.

He noticed she did not put on any blush but took out a pink and yellow MAC lipstick with a dragon design on the cover. She noticed him catching a glimpse of her as she applied the tangerine shade lipstick.

"It's a Limited-Edition summer collection. Isn't it lovely?"

It looked stunning on her, but he knew not everyone can rock that color.

Putting away her mirror and other beauty paraphernalia, she glanced at Niles.

"I'm all set! So, where's our first stop? Let me see… Maxwell and I are attending an Art Exhibition hosted by one our major investors. We're also attending the opening gala of the new show produced by our friend George Lapine, and a charity event so I need at least three new gowns. Maybe one or two pairs of shoes, a new coat and a few scarves…"

"Looks like you're getting everything but the kitchen sink," said Niles.

"We haven't begun yet and already you are complaining," said CC, glaring at Niles.

"I'm not complaining. It's merely an observation," said Niles.

CC gave him an evil look and told him to go to Neiman Marcus. Niles was grinning from ear to ear, she looked adorable when she was irritated, her eyes were turning more grey than blue when she was mad. He'll keep his end of the bargain not to insult her or say anything that would cause her to lash out in retaliation. He was just pleased he would be spending this day with Ms. Babcock.

The minute they entered CC headed for the shoe section and two sales consultants approached her.

"I'm interested to check-out the latest booties that arrived," said CC.

"Do you have a designer in mind or a particular color or style?" asked the first Sales Consultant.

Niles stayed close like a bodyguard. He saw CC furrow her brows thinking hard, like she was about to decide about the latest play she will produce. Niles would often hover around the office to watch her and Mr. Sheffield and often she was the more decisive of the two.

"A black ankle bootie. Plain or with a single buckle. I don't want anything ostentatious. Preferably with a heel. I'm a size 8," she replied and settled on a nearby sofa.

The Sales Consultant came back with four booties, a Christian Louboutin with a leather buckle fastened by a gold-plated logo, A Givenchy zip ankle bootie, and a Calf-skin Prada, and a leather Manolo Blanik.

She tried them all and paraded in front of Niles.

"I like the Louboutin because it looks dressier and would look nice with my coats and when I do some layering of clothes. Fall is coming you know. Prada would look great in jeans but as you know I hardly wear jeans, but I like it," said CC.

She chose the Louboutin and bought another pair of blue-green strappy sandals that would go well with a lot of her sundresses.

She walked around the store a little more and bought a couple of tops for her business attire, showing them to Niles every time she fit each one. It was hard to pick out what not to choose as everything she tried on looked good on her, but just to keep her a little safer from men's scrutinizing eyes, he would subtly push the more conservative style when asked which one looked better on her.

"Ms. Babcock, I thought what you needed was a long gown for a formal event, but you haven't bought one yet," said Niles, carrying her packages to the car.

"Oh, I haven't forgotten. I just didn't find anything I like in here. Let's go somewhere else," said CC.

Returning to the Jag, they drove off without any instructions from CC on where they were going.

"Just drive around Niles. I'll let you know if there's something that catches my fancy," she said.

Niles shrugged his shoulders and obeyed. They drove around for fifteen minutes without talking. Neither felt comfortable with the other yet. The huge Burberry store caught CC's eyes and told Niles to park so they could shop.

"Excuse me, I have not booked an appointment today. Would that be alright?" asked CC.

The receptionist told her it was fine and called for a sales advisor to assist them.

A Sales Advisor immediately came to their assistance.

"What are you looking for today?" asked the blond Sales Advisor.

"I'd like to take a look at the evening gowns please," replied CC.

The Sales Advisor escorted CC and Niles to the VIP area near the back of the store and offered them some refreshments.

A bottle of Perrier and a goblet was served to Niles and CC, and while CC looked at the gowns, Niles poured himself a cold Perrier on the goblet and settled on the comfortable sofa, watching CC being assisted by the Sales Advisor. The advisor brought the gowns to CC one at a time. She would close the curtain, try the dress on and open the curtain to parade in front of a full-length mirror. This time, she didn't ask Niles' opinion as she paraded each dress in front of the mirror before Niles' eyes. Watching her, Niles would put a mental note about each gown; Too revealing, Too sweet, Too gothic. Beautiful. Nice.

While CC was dressing up behind the curtain, the sales advisor excused herself and went out of room. Niles didn't think there would be any problem as she was just getting another gown for Ms. Babcock to try on.

She had been gone a few minutes when CC started calling for the Sales Advisor but she had not returned yet. Niles peeked outside and tried calling for the advisor, but she was engaged with another client.

"Ms. Babcock, I'm afraid she's engaged now with another client. Let me help you, what seems t be the problem?" said Niles.

CC opened the curtain. She was still wearing the paneled ruched gown. In fact, Niles liked this one, it had a ruched detailing and draped detailing in front that showed her slim figure, the rear zip fastening emphasized her curvaceous rear and the fishtail cut just clung to her beautiful figure.

"Niles, can you please help me unzip the dress. It's a little stuck," she said, facing the mirror and showing the back part of the dress to Niles.

The dress was backless on the midsection and Niles could see she had removed her bra as it was the way to wear the dress and the zip was just above the lower back near her derriere.

Niles tried to act nonchalant as he groped for the hidden zip design on the ruched detailing on the back of the grown, his hands rubbing against her lower back, and when he slid the zip down, he couldn't help but see a part of her underwear.

CC gasped in surprise. She could see Niles' expression reflected in the mirror. Unaware that he was clearly visible in the mirror. He was looking at her the way a man looks at a woman he desired. She was so startled she wanted to turn back and look directly at his face to verify if the reflection was real. As she hastily turned to look at Niles, she found her face merely inches away from his, their lips almost touching, and his clear blue eyes boring into hers.

Looking deeply into them, she could see the tenderness and adoration that she knew wasn't there before. It was puzzling… they were both speechless looking at each other until they both realized that Niles was still holding her, his hands resting on her backside even if the zip had been undone.

They both drew apart upon the realization as though scalded by a sweltering heat.

"I beg your pardon, Ms. Babcock.," he apologized as he stepped away from the cubicle so she could draw the curtain.

It felt so right to have her in his arms but as he stared into her blue-grey eyes, he could read the confusion she felt. Did she know how he felt about her? or was she feeling the same attraction he felt? He really ought to be more careful. His colors were showing.

"I like that dress. It's the same color as your eyes-blue-grey," put in Niles.

"Y..you think so?" asked CC.

Suddenly the Advisor returned and was apologetic, there was apparently someone with an appointment that came in.

"I was thinking of getting the white dress, you know make me look pure and angelic during the charity event. I'm often told I look cold and wicked," said CC.

"Then get them both. You do have other events to attend to. Maybe you can wear that dress to the gala. You'd be stunning you might even take the limelight away from your friend George Lapine and the reporters would all flock to you and ask you about the newest play you and Mr. Sheffield are producing. Good publicity."

She liked the idea. She loved being the star and more often than not she was.

"That's a marvelous suggestion," said CC.

Seated back in the Jag, both were sneaking sideway glances to each other. Each knew that there was something quite different now, but both decided to dismiss it. To show that everything was normal, Niles smiled and returned the conversation about shopping.

"Come on, Ms. Babcock, let's go to Macy's. You'd have a lot of choices there. We can have something to drink when you want a break. There are tons of restaurants and cafes nearby."

"Sounds nice. I know there are a lot of other places we could go to. Rockefeller Center is close. Isn't that where you wanted to go with Nany Fine?" said CC.

After the initial uneasiness, everything went well as they seemed to ease into a comfortable companionship and conversation with a touch of shyness that you cover with a little laugh or a flirtatious smile when going on a first date.

At Macy's, catching its pastel-colored sign and its unique 60s design, CC excitedly headed for Benefit, with Niles walking close behind. A woman in her thirties greeted them.

"I'd like two bottles of She-Laq, please," said CC.

"Good choice," said the sales lady.

"This is like magic. Even when you go swimming, it keeps everything in place," continued the sales lady.

Niles saw the sales lady hand CC two small blue bottles with a label that looked like a fortune-teller. He took it from CC's hands and inspected it in amazement. It looked like a love potion. Was this what she had been drinking that kept him so spellbound to her beauty all these years? Don't be silly, Niles, you're in the cosmetic section. There is nothing you can drink in here, he scolded himself.

"What is this secret potion? Does this mean all these is not real?" said Niles, his fingers touching her jawline.

CC fluttered her eye lids and watched him closely. It suddenly didn't sound like an insult, the way it usually did. His manner seemed different, even that glint in his eyes… like he was teasing her… flirting with her. Maybe it only seemed that way because she caught him looking at her strangely back in Burberry.

She replied in a low voice, avoiding his eyes. Was she suddenly shy?

"Yeah, I look like Elphaba without it."

"Perhaps a kiss would change Elphaba into a princess…" said Niles in his low baritone voice, without taking his eyes off her. Neither of them noticed their hands remained entwined as he handed her back the little bottle.

She felt her heart skip a bit when she looked up and found him staring at her. She was mesmerized by his blue eyes that were as clear as the sky on a sunny day.

She was at a loss for words for once and couldn't answer back.

Niles didn't know what overcame him. He wanted to take it back, to say something witty or funny to save her from her speechlessness but couldn't think of anything to save his overtly flirtatious remark.

A woman with two rowdy kids approached the Benefit counter, noisily the children were horse-playing and pushing each other and both ended up running themselves between CC and Niles, breaking the spark igniting between them.

"Boys, stop it. Behave yourselves," scolded their mother.

She turned to Niles and CC and apologized, "I'm sorry my kids can be a handful," she said, and continued to try out the lipsticks.

Surprisingly, after paying for the She-laq, they both walked together around the shops as though nothing happened. Stopping at the fragrance section in Sephora, CC was reading the different notes of the perfumes.

"Isn't your perfume Weekend?" asked Niles.

A little surprised, CC smiled, "Yeah. How'd you know. It has been for years. I'm actually picking out a perfume for my eleven-year-old niece. Did you know, she returned the Mickey Mouse night shirts I gave her and told me she's too old for Mickey… and Mickey was her absolute favorite. I can't believe she outgrew him so soon."

Niles laughed in amusement. She could hardly imagine Ms. Babcock as a doting aunt but it sounded fascinating.

"I was still playing dolls when I was eleven. Kids are different nowadays. Can you help me pick out a perfume for her," said CC.

"Tell you what, Ms. Babcock. Why don't you get her a gift card at Macy's. Kids that age want to push for independence to make them feel like their adults. She'd probably like to buy a baby bra for herself or a lip gloss. I remember Ms. Maggie when she was that age. She and her friends would only talk about, music, bras, and make-up during sleep overs."

"Niles! You were eaves dropping?" teased CC.

"No, everyone just ignores the maid, and the maid just hears everything," he said.

After roaming around the mall for another fifteen minutes, Niles led her to a café with the view of the Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink.

"Tell me what you'd like to have then take a seat, Ms. Babcock. I've got this," said Niles as they approached the counter to order.

"No, it's my treat," said CC.

"I insist. I'm feeling generous today. Humor me," said Niles.

"Okay. Just get me anything. I'm not very hungry," said CC.

Sitting on a booth by the window, completely relaxed, CC watched the skaters. She couldn't remember the last time she had spent a day in the mall shopping, enjoying the day, watching people around her enjoy the day like they had no care I the world. She needed more laid- back weekends in her life.

Niles took his time walking back to their table, he enjoyed watching CC while her guard was down as she looked out the window watching the skaters and the people walking around. Her lips curved into a little smile, yet there was a haunted look in her eyes.

"Earth to Ms. Babcock," he said as he laid the food on their table, snapping her out of her reverie.

She smiled at him. "I was just uhm… watching the families dining al fresco and the youngsters skating. They all look very happy."

"Since when have you become interested in other people…" teased Niles, handing her the purple-colored Mixed Berry Fruit shake.

"Well, do have bouts of humanity once in a blue moon," said CC.

"Hey, it's a Spinach and Artichoke Formaggio. I love this," said CC, offering some of it to Niles.

"I also got some Mozzarella Sticks. I know you like them but let's see if they make it as well as I do," said Niles.

Everything on their table was something she would have ordered herself; she was surprised how well Niles seemed to know exactly what she wanted even down to the dip. Was it a lucky guess or do they have the same taste?

They settled into a friendly conversation as they dined. CC never knew she could hold a sensible conversation with Niles since they only seemed to exchange insults with each other when they talk in the past. She got too comfortable that she shared a few things she would not normally do even to her friends.

Neither seemed to want to end the day yet after their snack and have decided to roam around a few other stores just to window shop. By the late afternoon they were talking like good friends without any reservations.

"Ms. Babcock, you said you have not gone shopping for the purpose of just trying out clothes and not buying. Well, to complete your experience, let's go inside Levi's," pointing out the store in front of them.

CC's eyebrow raised and smiled.

"Try on something when I'm not really looking to buy?" she asked.

"Come to think of it. I've never seen you in denims. Not in the several years I've known you…"

"It's just not me." She waved her hand dismissively at Niles.

"Come on, let's see you in denims," urged Niles.

"Not the rugged type. The only time I've worn one was when my date took me horse-back riding. He was an Equestrian. I don't know why in the life of me he would take a date out riding when he's been doing so much riding in his life."

"Maybe he liked you a lot and wanted you to be a part of his life since riding is so much a part of him," said Niles.

CC smiled and touched his cheek. "That's such a romantic thing to say, Niles. But it was more of showing me off to his other Equestrian buddies to see who among them got the hottest woman in his arm. I wanted to slap his face in front of his buddies when I found out. I have met so may assholes in my lifetime I'm beginning stop believing in fairytales of living happily ever-after."

Niles followed CC inside the store as she stopped on the rack with denim dresses. She pulled out an Icon long dress and a black midi dress and eyed them with interest. It was disappointing indeed that someone would ask you out based on your looks alone. If they would get to know her, they'd know she was smart and funny-okay she's snobbish and self-centered at times but it's a part of her charm.

The attendant approached CC and handed her a thin white blouse. Niles couldn't hear their discussion and came closer.

To make things lighter, and out of his curiosity he asked, "So, Ms. Babcock did you win?"

CC glanced at him from the white blouse she was holding, "What?" she asked absent-mindedly.

"The hottest date…. Did you win?"

The attendant came back with a pair of skinny jeans this time, handing it to CC.

"This would go well with that blouse. It would emphasize your tall, slim figure," said the attendant.

CC thanked her without looking back to Niles. Searching for the fitting room, she replied with disinterest. "Oh, I lost to the playboy model…I forgot her name, but she was the centerfold the previous year."

"Don't you wish you would have won?" said Niles.

"No, not when I have to disrobe in front of ogling men.," she stated matter-of-factly.

CC disappeared and when she emerged, she was wearing the jeans and the blouse that made her look wholesome. Was it the outfit that made the difference or the smile on her face? Niles couldn't help but smile back.

The attendant put the rodeo hat on the mannequin on top of CC's head.

"How do I look?" asked CC.

Niles was astounded. He wanted to remember his CC looking just like the girl next door. CC was making poses on the mirror when there came two flashes from a cellphone camera.

She looked back from the mirror and caught Niles. The smile vanished from her face.

"I look funny, don't I?" she asked.

"No! Why would you think that?" asked Niles.

"Because you took a photo of me. I know we agreed on a truce today but knowing you, you wanted to show off an ugly picture of me. Let me see that…"

Niles kept his phone from CC's reach and was saved from replying when the attendant returned with more items.

"Mam, why don't you try this denim skirt. It's a size 2 then pair it with this top. See, you tie the ends, and it shows off your belly button. You may try it with your jeans too. It's low waisted so it'll also show your belly button," said the attendant.

"No… I think it wouldn't look good… it's slutty," protested CC.

Niles was caught off-guard. again, would he be honest and reaffirm how great she looked or would he once again throw her a zinger.

"I've got lots of clients and they all love this skirt. It's short. Shows of the legs and most of them don't have your height or your body. Come on," urged the girl enthusiastically.

The girl was showing off the skirt in front of CC and Niles could see how short it was, her underwear would peep if she would so much as to bend slightly. He didn't know if that was indeed the purpose of the skirt, or the attendant gave her a size smaller than hers.

"Wear it with high-heels and men would…"

"Thank you, miss. We will just get the jeans and the blouse she is wearing…" said Niles, pulling out his wallet.

"I think this white top that shows off the belly button would suit you better, mam, try it on…"

"No, I think I prefer… I mean she prefers that white blouse she has on. Thank you," said Niles.

Having CC parading around in a skimpy outfit was not a good idea. Images of her in high-heels, a top showing her midriff and a skirt that leaves little to the imagination was waking up a part of his anatomy that have long slept.

The attendant smiled and took Niles' credit card.

"Your husband must be conservative. The British often are," laughed the attendant.

"He's not…" she tried to correct the attendant, but she had gone off with Niles.

"…my husband", her voice trailed off.

It was the second time people assumed they were together. Was it the way he looked at her with fondness and tenderness? Or was it because they were suddenly comfortable around each other? She had started feeling comfortable around him when she noticed him looking at her quite differently, and he had been treating her differently, he was fulfilling his end of the bargain to have a truce in their repertoire in throwing insults at each other. He had been nothing but attentive to her needs today. He knew what she liked to eat and drink, or when she was tired. It was like having a genuine boyfriend for the day.

She wanted to stop Niles from purchasing the outfit since their original plan was only to fit the garments but by the time she got there, the purchase had been rung.

"Niles, what are you doing? I thought we were not buying anything… and I can afford this, you didn't have to…" said CC.

"I insist on buying them for you. I wanted to take you ice-skating. You said you have not gone ice skating in ages. You've never had a date that took you ice-skating. Well, let's do it. We have an hour or two before dinner. You can't go skating on the dress you had on, but your jeans would be most suitable for the rink," smiled Niles.

"That's crazy. I haven't done it in years," said CC.

"Neither have I so let's try it together and see if we both still have it. Come on, Ms. Babcock. Loosen up a bit...", said Niles.

They headed back to the Rockefeller Center skating rink. They walk in comfortable silence for a while before exchanging stories like old friends.

"Race you to the skating rink. The last one is a rotten egg," said Niles gayly and took off.

CC laughed and tried to run after him, but her wedge sandals prevented her from doing so efficiently.

"Hey wait…Not fair… I can't run. Don't leave me," she yelled playfully.

Niles ran back to meet her halfway.

"Phoeey. No fun, Ms. Babcock," said Niles in a teasing manner.

"Next time I'll have my sneakers on... wait… I wonder where I've put them… haven't worn them in a while," she said wistfully.

"We can jog around the neighborhood on my next off if you'd like…" he offered but immediately regretted it. He sounded too forward… to fresh. They were not friends. Of course she'll turn him down. He thought forlornly.

"That sounds nice," said CC in a low voice.

Niles' face lit up in her reply and this encouraged her to invite him again for another shopping spree.

"Only if you help me find a suitable shoe for my gown…" she smiled.

"And… what else? Are we buying the whole store again?" asked Niles jokingly.

"No, I promise just my shoes and a little present for my father. His birthday is coming up," said CC.

Niles didn't want to sound too eager, so he replied nonchalantly.

"It's a deal, Ms. Babcock."

They both changed into their shoe sizes as soon as they reached the entrance of the skating rink. Niles was more confident and immediately glided across the ice, hoping to impress CC.

CC was a bit wary and didn't want to venture into the ice immediately, she held on to the bar as she went to the ice slowly. Checking if she could still find her balance but Niles was very naughty and pulled her out to skate with him before she was even mentally ready.

"Niles! I'm going to fall," she protested, holding onto him tightly.

"Of course not. I have you. Don't you worry," he reassured, taking her hand in his like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"I'm gonna kill you for this," said CC.

Niles could see the apprehension in her eyes as she held on to him.

"This is like riding a bicycle. You never forget once you have learned," reassured Niles, taking her hand in his as he sped off in the middle of the ice.

A huge smile flashed on CC's face upon realizing Niles was right, she could still skate. Gradually she became more and more confident swinging around with Niles.

"I'd still feel much better if we stay close to the side so I can grab the bar in case I slip," she told Niles.

In response, Niles brought her further out away from the bar.

"Niles! You're evil!" laughed CC.

"I might fall," she reminded him.

His smile never left Niles' face, the sparkle in them shone brighter and brighter each passing minute as he guided CC around the ice, held her hand when she wobbled a bit, and tirelessly reassured her she would be fine. He wished the night would never end.

"I'm right here. I'm going to catch you", he said.

"Then we'll both fall flat on our butt," laughed CC.

CC had forgotten all apprehension she had in the beginning. Contrary to what she thought of Niles over the years, he was attentive and caring. He was right by her side before she would even slip, which she was grateful for, and unexpectedly, he was a lot of fun.

Niles had never seen Ms. Babcock look so carefree and cheery, he wished she could stay that way forever. A strand of her hair kept flying to her face and she just kept pushing it behind her ear haphazardly, without a care in the world, a button of her top was undone but it didn't matter, her nose needed powdering, and a few drops of sweat cover her forehead, but she didn't notice or care, and she had never looked so beautiful and attractive in his eyes.

He wished he could wipe the little sweat off her forehead with his fingers and give a quick peck on her lips that was still bright with lipstick. He was so tempted to smudge it off with his kiss. Perhaps if the heavens allow, next time they go skating, she would be his. Serendipity.