*This is set in the middle of the third season.

Carpe Niles

by

IvanaBgood
(IvanaBgood@aol.com)

The black filigreed ironwork that decorated the front door caused many visitors a pause, but CC Babcock gave it the merest of glances as she entered the mansion. Her movements slow and erratic as she shrugged off her olive green coat. Thoughts of Maxwell and the fact that he took his children away for a vacation had been on her mind all day. It bothered her that he informed her about it off-handedly a few days before they left. But what aggravated her more was the fact that Nanny Fine was part of 'they' and she was not.

Although being around his children isn't my idea of a holiday... Her thoughts were interrupted as something nudged her ankle.

"Chester? Oh, that's right, you were kicked out of Mrs. Van Owen's Canine Care. Who told you that you could have your way with her precious Princess anyway? Probably that sorry excuse for a butler." She mumbled to herself as she hung up her purse next to her coat. She was still bothered by his Pirate story that Nanny Fine laughingly retold to her and Maxwell as they were busily working in the office.

CC shoved the closet closed a trifle too hard. "Where is Peg-leg Pete anyway?" Her eyes fell on an inert figure at the foot of the staircase and her pulse raced.

~~~~

"I demand to see him!"

The nurse backed up at the underlying threat that seemed to heavily coat the order.

Steely blue eyes caught the sight of a white lab coat as it maneuvered around a nearby corner. "Doctor-"

"Yes?"

At another time, CC might have noticed the tall doctor's sleek, dark hair, and his close resemblance to Rupert Everett, but all her thoughts were on the man that the paramedics raced through the hallway hours ago. "I want to see Niles."

"Niles?" His green eyes assessed her through his eyeglasses.

"The patient that is in room 27, head trauma," the nurse explained.

"Ah yes," he glanced back at CC. "Are you family?"

"He's from England. I'm...I'm a friend," she finished with a questioning note.

The doctor smiled. "Aren't you sure?"

Her chin raised stubbornly. "Yes."

"I see. Well then, are you a friend or a 'friend'?"

"Which answer will get me to see him?" She glared, tired of his inane questions.

He chuckled. "I'm Doctor David Pryce. You are?"

"CC Babcock."

"Pleased to meet you..." he glanced at her left hand, "Miss Babcock."

She shook his hand and waited impatiently.

He smiled once again, "Very well. Please follow me." A few steps later, Dr. Pryce opened a door for her.

CC rushed in and stopped abruptly at what she saw, almost blanching at the sight of the ugly bruises on Niles' left temple. Under the fading tan his color was poor and his breathing was labored. She noticed the marks of strain and suffering on his face, even in sleep. Her eyes traveled to his left arm in a cast, his hands rested on top of the white bedcover. Automatically her fingers touched his knuckles lightly.

At her soft stroke his eyes opened suddenly and stared up at her. "Who are you?" His voice, though it didn't have much body to it, was clear and attractive as always.

She rolled her eyes and the worry lines on her forehead disappeared. "Ha, ha very funny Niles. So what happened, slip on a banana peel?" she mocked as she pulled her hand away.

His blue eyes took in her comment and then looked at the figure behind her.

"Hello Niles. Good to see you awake now. I'm your doctor, David Pryce," he reached over and wrapped his fingers around his patient's wrist. Quickly he noted that the pulse was a bit weak, but regular.

"What happened?" he asked as the doctor bent over to check his eyes with a small flashlight.

"From the bruises I found on your head, arms and body I would have to ascertain that you fell. Do you remember any of that?"

Niles shook his head and then grimaced quickly at the pain that movement caused.

"Hmm," the doctor clicked off the flashlight. "What do you remember?"

He licked his dry lips. "I-I remember...nothing." He finished with a puzzled expression. "Did you say my name is Niles?"

CC snorted. "Yeah, yeah. You forgot your memory. Good one Niles. Couldn't you have been more original?"

"Who are you?" Niles pulled back and looked at her carefully. "And why are you behaving so unkindly towards me?"

"You really don't remember anything?" she asked alarmed, finally understanding that this wasn't a joke. "You don't remember me?" CC sat down abruptly on the hard wooden chair next to the bed, almost missing it.

"No...I'm sorry." His eyes took in hers and the blond hair that she pushed away from her face dispiritedly. He felt pain at her sadness, but also a need to say something that would put fire into those baby blues. Strange.

"Do you know who the President of the United States is?" the doctor asked.

Niles rubbed his eyes tiredly. "That chap who has a hard time keeping his pants zipped?"

Dr. Pryce chuckled. "Don't worry Niles. You suffered a great ordeal. It's common to temporarily lose one's memory under such conditions. I've looked at your CAT scan and except for a slight bruising of the brain, you'll be fine," the physician commented soothingly. "Miss Babcock, if I may have a word with you outside?"

CC nodded as she got up. She paused and gave Niles a worried look before being escorted out.

The doctor looked back and was surprised at the hard glare that was thrown his way.

I may not remember who she is, Niles thought as he watched the doctor place a hand on the small of her back, but I know whose she is.

~~~~

Dr. Pryce led her to his office and gestured towards a chair before sitting down behind his big oak desk. "Do you know what happened to him? Were you there?"

He watched her blond hair swing as she shook her head.

"No, I had just come home and found him there...he was so still." Her voice faltered as she remembered. "Perhaps he tripped. He was at the foot of the staircase."

"Don't worry. I'm sure his memory will come back in time." At CC's vague nod, Dr. Pryce cleared his throat. "You found him at home...you live together?"

"Hmm?" Her mind tried to catch up to what he was saying.

"I apologize. It's not my place to ask." He swallowed nervously. "I don't usually act so unprofessional."

She waved away his apology. "Did I say I found him at home?" CC asked surprised as she watched him nod. "I did find him at home...his home. I work there...so does he, but I am there a lot..." She shook her head, angry with herself for rambling.

"Ah...I see," Dr. Pryce replied, not understanding at all, but trying to. His eyes fell upon X-rays on his desk and he mentally shook himself. "I wanted to assure you that all signs indicate that Niles will have a full recovery. Some memory loss is to be expected after what happened to him."

She nodded her head in understanding. "But in the meantime?"

"In the meantime he is to remain here for a couple days for observation. We'll keep him comfortable. Round the clock attention. All will be well." His mild, soothing voice had the desired effect. "Would you like to join me in the cafeteria for a cup of coffee, it may help calm your nerves?"

CC stood up. "No, thank you. I need to make a phone call and then I think I'll go sit with Niles for awhile."

"Very well." He reached over and shook her hand. "And may I say that Niles is one lucky man."

Not in the mood to correct him, she threw him a small smile before walking out. Quickly her hand shoved aside contents as she searched inside her purse for her cell phone.

~~~~

Niles pulled himself up and awkwardly stretched for the plastic yellow pitcher that sat nearby.

"What are you doing?" CC glared as she walked in. "You're suppose to be resting."

"I'm thirsty," he replied sullenly.

She sighed heavily. He looks so adorable when he pouts like that. Outloud she said a bit less forcefully. "I'll get it. But first..." she positioned his pillow more comfortably behind him and then reached around the curtain and took a pillow from the other bed.

"Hey!" the other patient complained.

"What?" CC bit out as she stared him down.

"Nothing," came the mumbled reply.

She placed the second pillow on top of the other pillow so that it supported the back of Niles' neck and head. "How's that?"

His eyes twinkled at her, "Much better, thank you." He watched her long fingers as they wrapped around the handle and poured water into a clear plastic tumbler. She was dressed in ivory-yellow slacks and a matching knit top with cap sleeves and a scoop neck. The color was good for her. It complimented her fair skin and light hair. "Thank you."

She nodded. "Have you eaten?" She watched as he sipped.

"No, but the nurse mentioned that my dinner would be arriving soon." Placing the tumbler down, he took her hand in his and pulled her closer. CC barely managed to not snatch her hand away. She looked down at him, a quizzical expression on her face.

"She also told me everything you did for me. Finding me at home, riding in the ambulance. As well as threatening her with bodily harm," Niles finished the last bit with a grin.

"I did no such thing! I just implied it." She finished and couldn't help smiling as Niles chuckled. "Well, she wouldn't let me in here to see you." CC pulled her hand away as she reached for the ringing phone. "Hello?...Maxwell...I'm glad you received my message....he's fine.....a broken arm. The doctor said he took quite a tumble which is why he's suffering some memory loss." She paused as she listened to him relate the news to the others. "Yes, he's right here."

CC handed Niles the phone. "This is Maxwell. He's vacationing in Israel."

Niles took the phone, but didn't speak into it yet. "Who is he to me?"

"He's your oldest friend. You also work for him as a butler."

"I'm a butler?" He shrugged. "I suppose that would explain my earlier urge to swipe my finger along the top of that painting on the wall. As well as searching for a coaster to set my drink upon."

"Niles...the phone."

"Oh, yes." He brought it to his ear. "Hello?"

"Niles, old boy, how are you feeling?" Maxwell's voice was jovial but concerned."

"I'm quite fine. Thank you. CC is taking care of me."

"CC?" Came the puzzled reply before continuing. "We'll be leaving here in a half an hour. I managed to make reservations for a flight coming home."

"No need to," Niles felt so strange allaying a stranger's concerned feelings towards himself. "Please enjoy your vacation. The doctor assures me that I'll be back to my normal self soon."

"If you're sure?" Came the hesitant reply. "Just a moment, Miss Fine would like to speak with you."

"Niles? Oh my god, Niles, I was so scared when I heard about you being in the hospital. How did it happen?"

"I don't remember."

"That's right, you have amnesia. Oh, I got a present for you that'll make you feel better! It says 'My friends went to the Kibbutz and all I got was this damn hat.'" Ehhh-heeeh! "You get it? Because it's a real hat, not a hat-hat if you know what I mean. What am I saying?! You lost your memory of course you don't know what I mean," She continued worriedly, "Ya want me to call Ma and have her over to look after you until we get there?"

"Umm...no, that's quite alright. I have CC."

"CC? Are you sure that you want to be at her mercy? Oy, this can't be good."

Niles pulled the phone away and placed a finger inside his ear. He wiggled it around a few times as he grimaced slightly.

"What's wrong?" CC watched him curiously.

"Bad connection."

"You must be talking to Nanny Fine. Here, let me have the phone." She slammed the receiver hard a few times on the table before talking into it. "Whoopsie, I dropped it."

Niles sat back and enjoyed her laughter. He watched her eyes became pinpoints as she spoke into the phone.

"Stay where you are Nanny Fine," CC directed. "The last thing I need is to hear you and those children complaining about your interrupted vacation....yes, yes he'll be fine....I won't harm a hair on his pointy head. It's no fun right now anyway, he's a sitting duck....tell Maxwell not to worry, I'll hire someone for him."

She hung up quickly and sat back into the chair.

"Y-you won't be taking care of me?" Niles looked at her, wounded.

"Niles, I have work. You can't expect me to drop everything to play nurse."

His right hand reached over and pulled her up and towards him. She felt it slide and rest on her hip. "Maybe we can play doctor instead," he whispered silkily as his hand reached around.

CC's eyes widened with shock as she felt him palm her backside. She jumped backwards, not knowing what to say or do.

"What's wrong CC?" his blue eyes clearly puzzled.

"Nothing. It's just that you need your rest. So why don't you lay back and rest already." She eyed the doorway.

"I'm not tired. Come here," he ordered gently, taking her hand again in his.

The gossipy nurse had also made it known to him that although CC wasn't family, she was more than just a friend. But he didn't need her to tell him that. CC's nearness summoned such intense emotions from within that he knew without a shadow of a doubt how much she meant to him.

CC's eyes widened as she allowed herself to be tugged closer. Her gaze was drawn to his rapt expression. She breathed in his smell. Tea, lemon and something that was all Niles. Stop this! This is Niles! But she continued to memorize the angles and planes of his face. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, but he persisted in his need to have her closer.

His eyes swept over her in quiet appraisal. His head tilted and eyes as blue as the cloudless sky beyond the window studied her carefully. She watched as his glance fell on her hair and she shivered as surely as if he'd ruffled her locks with his hands. Lazily, his eyes rested on her full lips, then at last captured her eyes in silent, electric communication. For a long moment, his eyes held her captive. Her heart pounded erratically and a curious warmth began to seep through her, penetrating the very marrow of her bones.

"Beautiful," he murmured thickly.

CC startled as she noticed that now he was a mere whisper away from her. Swallowing deeply, she tried to still the sudden tremor that threatened her voice. "Let go Niles." She managed to say.

"Don't want to," he smiled up at her and then yawned. "I'm sorry," he replied abashed, as he covered his mouth. "The nurse gave me something for the pain and it's making me sleepy now." His thumb continued its slow caress on her hand. "But first..."

The rich timbre of his voice almost hypnotized her and she stood with her body tingling with pleasure while his fingers moved on her bare arm until, with slow deliberation, they covered her shoulder. Anticipation crackled between them like lightening racing across the heavens.

Niles cupped her cheek and a husky groan rose in his chest and before she could protest, his mouth closed over hers. He drew her trembling body close to his, the pressure of his lips moving on hers brief, but potent. When he released her, she met his gaze steadily.

"Niles...we're not...I'm not your..." she whispered, but her words were lost as he caught her parted lips in mid-sentence to taste her again. His five o'clock shadow was rough against her skin and she responded to the wild, heady sensations it evoked. Somehow her arms wounded around his neck and pressed closer until her breasts were crushed against the wall of his chest.

He deepened the kiss, seeking the moist interior of her mouth.

With a groan she pulled away from him, her breathing ragged, her eyes dark with desire and question.

Niles' own eyes reflected that desire. "I may have lost my memory, but some things a person just knows. I'm sure I must have told you this before. I love you CC."

Her mind reeled. "No you don't...I-I don't." Her voice lowered to a mere whisper as she turned away from him, "I won't allow myself to."

He watched her leave, puzzled. He wanted to follow her, ask her what was wrong, but the drugs the nurse had given him began to take a stronger effect and as he tried to get up, his body wouldn't cooperate. He then tried to prevent them from closing, but his eyelids felt so heavy that he decided to just rest them awhile. The soft pillows and the comfortable mattress had him breathing quietly and evenly in the room.

~~~~

"Your room is upstairs. I don't know which one. Just keep opening doors until you find something that's not filled with Barbie dolls, video games or a wall covered with posters of whoever is popular with teenage girls right now. I'm sure Nanny Fine's room will smell like her cloying perfume. And Maxwell's will be the most tastefully done." CC informed Niles as they stepped inside the mansion.

He just managed to keep his mouth from gaping wide with astonishment as he turned around in the foyer as he took in the splendor. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. If a man has a butler, he has to live like this." He took in the artwork that lined the walls and decorated the shelves when something occurred to him.

"Didn't you say that we've known one another almost 20 years? How could you not know where my room is?"

"Niles, for the millionth time. We. Are. Not. Involved." She said slowly and distinctly. "I just said that because they wouldn't let me in to see you. We're mortal enemies."

His mouth curved at her nonsensical remarks.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. Do you live here also? This place looks like it could house a basketball team."

"I suppose it could. It has enough rooms. Nineteen to be exact. And no, I don't." CC stretched her arms up leisurely, her body extended towards the ceiling. She closed her eyes as she slowly pivoted her head, her chin down to her chest, to the side and back, a small yawn escaped from within her lips.

Niles enjoyed the view immensely. "Maybe you should have asked the nurse for a cot."

"Don't get me started on Florence Nightingwhale. If she would have just given me the other bed I wouldn't have this crick in my neck," CC complained.

He chuckled. "You know that they couldn't move Brian. He was still recovering from the motorcycle accident."

"Then they should have wheeled him into another room and wheeled in another bed for me. That chair was like something from the Flintstones."

"You could have gone home and rested CC," Niles replied as he gently laid his hand upon her arm. "Not that I didn't appreciate your solicitous diligence at my bedside."

CC enjoyed the warmth of his hand for a moment before pulling away. "I told you that wasn't for you. Maxwell asked me to keep an eye on you." She sank into the couch. "I will make sure and tell him how well Dr. Pryce took care of you. He was always coming in to check to make sure you were fine."

"Yes, well," Niles responded dryly, "I'm sure Dr. Pryce was checking more on you than on me. He continually asked if you would 'join him in the cafeteria for a cup of coffee'," Niles exaggeratedly imitated the Doctor's American accent.

"I never went though, did I?" CC responded off-handedly as she laid her head back, closing her eyes once again.

"No...no, you didn't." Niles responded and thought about that for a long while as a smile slowly lit his face. He turned and looked at her, noticing again how beautiful she was. How her perfectly formed lips parted slightly as she rested. And how her blond hair fell around her face, as if draping a masterpiece. His fingers itched to feel the softness of her skin, the silkiness of her hair. Instead he walked towards the stairs and reached for the banister.

He and CC had had a talk the day after his 'groping' as CC liked to put it. She explained to him that they weren't an item and in fact couldn't stand the sight of one another. But her explanation conflicted with how he felt towards her and her constant attention towards him. He decided to bide his time. Maybe his memory would come back and everything would make sense. And if it didn't come back...well, then he was going to have fun changing her mind. He smiled to himself.

~~~~

Niles growled in frustration and pain. He realized after he showered that he couldn't put a clean shirt back on without help. So he resigned himself to the red robe that hung on the back of his bathroom door. Only to confront the same obstacle. Big cast, small sleeve.

"What's the problem?" CC stuck her head into the partially open bedroom door only to immediately suck in her breath at the sight of Niles' bare chest.

In his frustration, Niles missed the look of admiration in CC's face. "The problem is I have a bloody piñata on my arm!"

As her eyes lifted, she noticed the small gash on his face and the drip of blood. "Did you try to shave with your left hand? You know Dr. Pryce said not to do anything with your bad hand!" Her hands perched on her hips in indignation.

"Well, I wasn't about to shave with my right hand! As it is I almost cut my own throat. Maybe I'll just grow a beard." He sighed resignedly.

"Come here."

"Wha-"

CC grabbed his hand and led him back to his bathroom. "Sit down," she ordered.

Niles sat on the closed lid and watched as she wiped the bit of blood off his cheek with a towel. Then she opened his medicine cabinet until she found his razor and shaving crème.

Her finger pushed on the button until a good size blob of foam appeared on her other hand. And busily she began to spread it on his face and down his neck, mindful of the little cut. Her brain finally caught up with her actions. What the hell am I doing?! Her hand shook. She had acted without thought, and now it was too late. CC tried not to notice the feel of his stubble against her fingers as she smoothed the foam all around. I have to get out of here! Don't look down, CC. Do not look at his lips. Damn, too late! Okay, just breathe. If I run out now, he'll know that he has an affect on me. *That* cannot happen! Carefully she ran the razor against his face.

Niles tried not to moan. He never thought that shaving could be so erotic. The feelings that pulled at him were so intense. She's standing so close and her breath upon my neck is driving me crazy. Slowly Niles pulled off the robe that was hanging on just the half of him and arranged it haphazardly on his lap, over his pants, hoping she wouldn't notice anything.

He really is so very handsome. CC studied his strong face, his firm jaw, and the furrows on his forehead. His eyelids were closed, but she knew the exact color blue that lay beneath. She noticed his frown and the gritted teeth. He must really hate to be so helpless. I better hurry and get this over with. CC leaned over more and carefully shaved his chin. Not being able to resist, her fingers slid softly against his lower lip as she pulled the razor underneath.

Niles felt her breath as it tantalizingly touched his lips. He slowly opened his eyes and watched her as she made him raise his chin so that she could get to his neck. Her other hand rested lightly on his shoulder.

"There all done," CC announced. She looked down and noticed how close their lips were to one another and jumped back, dropping the razor into the sink.

He released his breath with a whoosh and raised his hand and slid it against his smooth jaw. "Thank you." He managed to say without stuttering.

She nodded. "Here let me help you with that robe." It was against CC's nature to be so helpful, but she wasn't doing it to be kind. She wanted to cover him up before she did something foolish.

"Um, no..." Niles jerked away and laid his hand upon his lap. "I-I need to use the facilities."

"Oh. All right. I'll wait in your room. Tomorrow a nurse that Dr. Pryce recommended will be here to take care of you. Then I can get back to more important things." CC added as she closed the door behind herself.

Niles closed his eyes as he heard the door click shut. He stood up and the robe fell to the floor, his eyes looked down, and then rolled at his predicament. She thinks you need to use the loo. Niles reached over and turned the faucet on. Okay, now clear your mind. Think of Margaret Thatcher...the Queen Mum... He took deep breaths and felt himself subside. The rest of the royal family began to pop into his mind. Princess Diana...blond hair...CC has beautiful hair...and very soft fingers...fingers that would feel so good on my...oh bollocks! His problem came back full force.

~~~~

Chester pulled against the leash as his owner unlocked the door to the Sheffield mansion. She left last night soon after Niles assured her from the other side of the bathroom door that he would be fine. "He better not have fallen down the stairs again or Maxwell will be livid." She looked down at the spot where she had discovered him days earlier, laying so very still, and shuddered at the memory. "Niles? Niles, where are you?" Unclasping the leash from her dog's collar she followed him down the hallway, through the dining room and stopped abruptly in the kitchen doorway.

Two heads turned at the swinging door. Niles nodded a greeting, but CC didn't notice. Her eyes were on the extremely attractive, blond, big bosomed, small-waisted woman who sat shoulder to shoulder with Niles and was smiling at her, extending a hand out.

"Hello! I'm Sasha Artley. Dr. Pryce sent me over to take care of Niles."

CC glared at the nurse's hand and watched it as it slowly lowered. She penned her eyes angrily at Sasha's face. What the hell kind of name is that anyway?! "I'll be in the office." Quickly she turned around and left the room.

"I got the impression from Dr. Pryce that Miss Babcock would be happy for my help."

"She did seem eager for it last night. Perhaps she didn't get much rest," Niles replied, trying to explain CC's unusual behavior.

Nurse Sasha shrugged and proceeded to urge Niles to finish his lunch. Even the broccoli that he detested.

Later as the day progressed, Niles became more and more restless. With strict instructions to take it easy, he flopped into the cushiony chair and grabbed the remote control, hoping to find something interesting on television. Monster truck race...Click. "It slices, it dices"...oh brother! Click. "He cheated on me with my own sister!"...Hmm...

The loud slamming of a phone pulled him to the office. He watched as CC paced across the room. From the terrace doors, across the large desk, to the doorway and back. So obsessed was she with her thoughts that she didn't notice Niles as he leaned against the doorframe. "Something wrong CC?"

She stopped at his voice. "Babcock." Slowly she turned around and faced him.

"What?" Niles shook his head in confusion.

"You don't call me CC. You call me Miss Babcock or Babcock when you really get annoyed at me."

"But I'm not annoyed at you."

CC took a few steps closer. "Insult me Niles."

"Insult you? Why?"

"That's what we do Niles. We're not nice to one another. We don't have chats."

"You mean over a cup of Viennese Mocha International Coffee, we never shared a good cry and celebrated the moments of our lives?" He grinned.

"You're watching entirely too much TV." CC folded her arms as she leaned against the desk. "Have you remembered anything? Anything at all?" The sooner he remembers, the sooner we can get back to the way we're suppose to be with one another.

"This morning..." Niles paused, trying to form his thoughts, not wanting to let slip how he had many dreams of her the past night. The last of which made him wake up with a problem he hadn't had since he was a teenager.

"Yes?" CC goaded.

"I thought maybe they were residuals of a dream, but they seemed so real. There was this fake video fire on the telly and I saw myself turning the lights off in this very room. But then it ended abruptly and next I envisioned you flipping through the air and a fruit was embedded on the heel of your shoe."

CC nodded, rubbing her backside with remembrance. "That really happened. I stepped on an orange that Maxwell mentioned you were juggling with."

"I don't know how to juggle...at least I don't think I do."

"I know!" She suddenly ran out of the room.

She knows how to juggle? I wonder if she's a contortionist too? Don't go there, old boy! Niles watched her run pass him and through the hall before he followed her to the living room. He spied her pulling something from the shelf near the piano.

Quickly she walked to the couch. "I don't know why I didn't think of this before."

Niles sat down next to her and looked at what she was so excited about. It was a brown leather photo album, bulging with pages. The beginning photographs were of the old quality. Black and white with a white border frame. "That cannot be me," he pointed in horror towards the lower left corner of the album.

CC laughed. "It is. Maxwell had just guested on this talk show. See that lady there with the black hair? It was her show. That's Christopher Atkins next to her. I wonder what ever happened to him?" She shrugged.

"Sideburns and a cheesy mustache was not a good look for me. Although those sunglasses made me look quite groovy."

"If by groovy you mean revolting." CC smiled.

Niles chuckled. Then he pointed at her in the photo. "I like your natural color much better. Your hair was dyed a dark brown when this photo was taken."

"Uh...yeah." CC hastily turned the page. She skipped many pages full of Maxwell, Sarah and the children. The purpose was to jiggle Niles' memory, not sadden her at the loss of an old friend. CC stopped as the photos became more recent. "Nanny Fine must have taken this one."

Niles stared down at a group shot of people dressed in tropically designed clothes, sitting on a couch and chairs with TV trays in front of one another. "Where are we?"

CC snorted. "Because of Nanny Fine's bad sense of direction, we ended up spending a part of our vacation at her mother's house."

A shadow crossed over the photograph.

"Niles?"

He looked up and smiled at his nurse. "Yes, Sasha?"

"I thought of a way to relieve you of your problem."

CC's eyes narrowed.

"Thank god. It's driving me crazy. Are you sure you don't mind?"

Sasha tittered. "Niles, I'm a nurse, of course I don't mind. I've helped many men who had to go through the same thing. Please...don't be embarrassed. Now come on. I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable laying on your bed."

Maxwell's business associate watched as Niles placed his hand on the nurse's lower back, chivalrously spurring her to walk ahead of him up the staircase. The photo album thumped loudly upon the coffee table and the two turned to see her striding away.

CC ignored the lump in her throat and tried to shake away the picture that formed in her mind of Niles and that...that bimbo...alone together in his bedroom. Quickly she made her way to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. Her shoe tapped agitatedly as she tried to come to a decision. Dark liquid soon sloshed out of her green mug and onto the kitchen counter as she ran up the back stairs.

"The itching is driving me insane, Sasha, but this horrid plaster cast prevents me from reaching it."

CC tiptoed over and rested her ear flat against the door.

"I know just what you need Niles. Lay back and relax."

Niles grunted as pain shot up his arm when he tried to carefully sit back against his headboard.

The bedsprings creaked.

He watched her take a coat hanger from his closet and straighten it.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" He eyed the metal contraption with trepidation.

"Mmmhmm...it's not very professional, but trust me. Move over a bit, I need to get into position."

CC's hands balled into fists.

The bed springs squeaked a few times as Sasha scooted over to Niles, laying his injured arm on her lap. "I'll take care of this deep seated itch of yours," The nurse soothed as she brought the hanger towards his cast. "Ready? I'm going to slide it in now..."

"Ohhhh....yeahhh...oh god yesss, Sasha that's...unbelievable! The feeling is indescribable..."

It didn't take him long to throw me over for her! CC pulled away from the door. Niles' groans were upsetting her. Her stomach was in knots. Has he no shame? He knows I'm still in the house!

"To the left more...a little more...ohhh, there! Right there! Keep going...don't stop. This is ecstasy!" Niles' voice rang out loud and clear through the door.

That's it! I'm kicking some ass! CC shoved the door open with her shoulder as she turned the knob. "You're a nurse! How dare you come in here and...and..."

Niles and Sasha looked on as CC's anger dissipated into confusion than embarrassed silence, before she swiftly turned around and walked away.

The nurse looked at him questioningly. He shrugged. His eyes thoughtful as he stared at the empty space where CC had stood incensed. She had looked magnificent in all her wrathful glory. Her alabaster cheeks reddened with enflamed spots, her eyes blazed murderously with blue fire and her luscious lips pursed with suppressed fury. Suddenly a myriad of memories engulfed him and flashed before his eyes.

Sasha grabbed his shoulders tighter. "Niles, are you okay?" She watched as his eyes began to clear as she shook him.

He raised his hands dazedly, his body numb, his mind befuddled.

Then a huge smile soon filled his face and reached his eyes.

"I remember."

"You've got your memory back? Oh Niles, that's wonderful!"

He nodded jubilantly.

"I'll go call Dr. Pryce."

Niles barely noticed her departure as the recent events unfolded in front of him.

Niles grinned goofily. Only for it to disappear the next moment.

He leaned back to think, euphoria filling his heart as he raised his arms to place behind his head. "Ow!"

~~~~

"Damn idiot!" CC yelled at the car that got in her way as she crossed the street. The cold finally penetrated the dark thoughts that had stampeded around her head and she flagged a cab down. She directed it to a coffeehouse that she frequented of late.

Ignoring the many people who sat talking to one another, CC walked to the far shadowy corner and pulled the stool closer to the tiny table. The waitress took her order and left quickly to fill it.

Still in her olive green coat, CC stared out unseeingly at the traffic that passed by the far window. Her mind and heart argued with one another.

She closed her eyes in an attempt to shake the confusing, heady longing that was raging in her. She could still remember how her lips tingled from his kiss and how he tasted. Losing control of her emotions troubled CC and she turned to her cappuccino that the waitress set before her, determined to concentrate on it and put this situation in its proper perspective.

CC didn't know how long she sat there, but if the pressure on her butt was to be believed, it was hours. And still she angrily yelled at herself for over reacting to the Niles-Sasha situation.

"I'm not in love with Niles," she said to herself determinedly.

"Pardon?"

CC's eyes snapped up at the sight of Niles pulling up a stool to her table.

"I...n-nothing." CC was once more gripped by the sight of him. To her eyes and heart, he had presence and everything about him was total, unadulterated swoon material. She was quite simply losing her cool. "What are you doing here?"

"I hope you don't mind the intrusion. But I recognized you through the window as I was passing by." I won't mention the fact that I remembered her mentioning this place to Mr. Sheffield. I wish I could have remembered 4 bars and 2 clubs ago.

Cursing silently, she watched him as he gave his order to the waitress. Of all the men in this world, she wondered, why did it have to be Niles. He hated her. Once his memory comes back, he would gargle with gallons of tea at the remembrance of the deep kiss they had shared. Her heart began to beat furiously, as her eyes caressed his lips. She choked on her coffee as she desperately tried to understand the feelings he aroused in her. "Damn it!"

"Is something wrong?" Niles asked her, startled.

CC flushed. "No," she said quickly and took a deep relaxing breath. The concern in his eyes was a balm to her shattered composure. "Not a thing. Talking to myself is a bad habit."

"That's okay," he chuckled as he picked up her very large mug and sniffed it. Is there just coffee in here?" he teased.

"Yeah. I am caffeined-up though. I started with a cappuccino and it went down hill from there."

Gradually, as they chatted with one another, and the conversation flowed easily, a warmth settled over her. A sense of peace that had eluded her for many years. A dreamlike sense of intimacy enveloped them as they quietly shared their lives.

I'm just going to enjoy this while I can, CC finally reached a decision.

I need to tell her that I have my memories back. She needs to know. But what if I'm wrong? What if she wasn't jealous earlier? What if she kissed me back because I caught her by surprise?

With self-loathing Niles pushed what he should do to the back of his mind and instead did what he wanted to do. Enjoy CC while she thought he was a different Niles. Enjoy her laughter. It rang different from the ones in the past. This one seemed lighter, more from the heart.

"Do you still draw?" CC asked as the waitress walked away. She broke her cookie and offered the other half to Niles.

"Where did you get an idea like that?" he asked incredulously as he took the sugar cookie. Surprised by her simple act of giving and the question she threw his way.

"That wonderful picture hanging in your room, signed 'Niles'. Are those your parents?"

"Yes. I um...I drew it for them as an anniversary present years ago. Now that they're retired, they sold the family home and most of their possessions so that they could travel the world unencumbered like they've always wanted to." He explained. "It use to hang in the sitting room. It was my mum's favorite place to have her tea and crumpets." She didn't want your life story! Stop rambling!

"I like it. A very handsome couple and you could feel the love they share for one another." CC felt like she was having an out-of-body experience. She couldn't help herself, the words seemed to flow out of their own accord. He'll ridicule me for this later. I know! I'll tell him I was setting him up for a joke.

Niles became quiet. His love for this woman overflowed with each gracious word she spoke to him. "Thank you." He swallowed with difficulty as his eyes glistened.

Spellbound, CC basked in his gaze. The raw need that smoldered in the depths of his eyes pushed her to do the unthinkable.

CC lifted her hand to his cheek. The warmth of his clean-shaven face flowed to her. Her thumb dipped to his chin then brushed the lips that had kissed her so thoroughly before. She gasped when he drew the tip of it into his mouth, ran his tongue sensuously over the soft skin, then gently nipped it.

"I think you should know, before this goes any further, that I want to make love to you," he said in a velvet whisper, his mouth claiming hers lightly, before taking full possession of her softness.

His words shattered her resolve and she sagged against him. She mumbled and then a tiny moan escaped to die in his mouth as she parted her lips.

Niles could have sworn she said 'Carpe Niles'.

~~~~

CC opened her eyes and focused on the off-white walls. Her gaze drifted to the dark brown draperies that blocked the morning sun. This isn't my room. She heard a soft snore behind her and looked down to see an arm draped around her waist. Oh god, not again! She smacked her lips, but the stale aftertaste of Johnny Walker wasn't there like usual. No hangover. What's going on and whom did I sleep with? The last time this happened her partner wasn't very happy with her. Not that she cared.

Some guy with dark blond hair and blue eyes that jumped into his trousers when she kicked him out. "Get out whoever you are." She ordered imperiously as he rolled over and asked what was for breakfast.

She can still remember the words he threw over his shoulder as he left.

"I'm Martin. And a word of advice. Next time you sleep with someone yell the right name."

Niles.

She had closed her eyes and imagined him in her alcoholic stupor. What did she care if she hurt...Marvin's feelings.

Niles inched closer to the warmth next to him. He could smell her tantalizing perfume and sighed inwardly as his arm tightened around her.

At least this dream finished for once. It allowed me to carry through with my fantasies of kissing her, holding her close, hearing her call my name with desire. I don't want to wake up yet, he told himself. I don't want to lose her just yet.

But he sighed as the last visages of his slumber left him and the inevitable happened. Niles opened his eyes to once again face the world alone.

He wasn't alone in his bed. The warmth was real. He peered over at the body he was spooning.

He brushed her hair away from her eyes. "Babcock!"

CC hurriedly turned over. "Niles?"

Niles flopped down on his back. "It wasn't a dream. That whole wonderful night actually happened." He said in awe.

"Niles?" CC asked again, incredulous. "It really is you!" She leaned upon one elbow as her fingers stroked his chest enjoying his groan of pleasure. Shivering, she closed her eyes and remembered. This body had belonged to her last night - intimately. Completely. The memories of last night flooded her mind with all of its spectacular sensations. There wasn't an inch of him unknown to her. It had been so perfect! She sighed softly, remembering how his hands had glided over her body and the unbelievable tenderness that had filled the languid moments afterwards. Then her eyes flew open.

"Did you just call me Babcock?"

Niles grinned as he leaned up. "Yes." His mouth was a breath away.

Long intoxicating kisses swept them away and they melted against one another. Finally needing air they broke apart, but their hands touched one another as assurance to the reality of everything that was happening to them.

The sight of him lying next to her willingly left her feeling dizzy with delight.

"Your memories came back to you just now? Are you okay?"

He brushed his fingers against her soft silky cheek. Loving the feel of her, but loving more the freedom to do so. "They came to me after you left the mansion," he confessed.

"Then that means..." CC thought about the special time they spent together at the coffeehouse, enjoying one another's company, sharing one another's thoughts and dreams.

Niles nodded guiltily, understanding what she left unsaid. "Are you mad at me?" He asked worriedly.

CC laid there in silence, her hand supported her head, her elbow dug deeper into the mattress as she stared down at him.

"I'm sorry CC. I know I should have told you, but I was afraid you would tell me to leave you alone. I can't leave you alone CC, you're a part of me."

More silence.

"CC?" he asked forlornly. "Please forgive me for my duplicity?"

She met his eyes steadily and his body sagged with relief at the smile that lit her face.

"Of course I forgive you."

"Oh, CC," Niles groaned and dragged her to him with his good arm, rolled her onto her back as he bent his head, hungrily claiming her lips. Soft curves melted to him and he felt her tremble.

"Of course you know just because you're the best damn kisser I've ever had, that doesn't mean I'm going to let you get away with tricking me," she teasingly warned as she tangled her fingers through the hair at the back of his head.

"Is that right?" Niles wiggled his eyebrows at her. "And what are you going to do to me, Miss Babcock?"

She laughed as he continued to bounce his left eyebrow at her. "So you're calling me Miss Babcock again, are you? I think I better live up to that."

"And how would you do that?"

"It looks like some bondage fun is in order."

He laughed, enjoying her playfulness. Enjoying being with her. He wrapped her in his arms once again and held her tightly. "God, but I love you."

CC felt his love. It warmed her and filled her with joy. She wanted to laugh and cry, but most of all she wanted to stay in the warm circle of his arms forever. "I love you too. I wanted to say that last night, but I couldn't. You on the other hand, said it over and over..." She taunted in complete happiness.

His forehead crinkled with delight. He didn't know it could be like this. He never ever experienced such easy going banter and sensuality in bed. Niles kissed the tip of her nose. "I thought I would say it to you without screaming it at the top of my lungs."

CC snuggled into his chest and felt him sigh happily. Thank god I listened to my dad for once.

They wrapped one another in each other's arms, dreaming of their future together.

~~~~

Epilogue

A year later....

"Sweetheart," Maxwell pulled the container away from Fran, "Ben and Jerry called, they're begging for mercy."

Fran pouted. "The baby wants it."

"The baby is only two months old. The little tyke will have ice cream flowing in his veins at the rate you're going." Maxwell smiled at his lovely wife and gathered her up in his arms.

Fran hugged her handsome husband back and sighed with happiness. She looked over at the other happy couple entwined on the chair in front of a blazing fire.

Maxwell followed her eyes and grinned at his friends. "Oh, Niles did you remember to pick up the ingredients for the kidney pie? It's Nigel's favorite and he's looking forward to it when he comes for Christmas dinner tomorrow."

A dark blond head shook negatively. "I couldn't. I was busy trying to make sure my anniversary present to CC was finished.

Her blue eyes twinkled as she kissed him for the thousandth time that day. "I want to see it!"

Niles chortled. "Too bad. No one is seeing it until I say so." He twisted his gold wedding band around his finger, never tiring of the sight of it. He then chuckled as he kissed his wife's scowl away.

"But what about the pie?" Maxwell asked.

"Oy, don't worry about it. Niles asked me to get it."

"Are you sure you got all the right ingredients?" He asked his wife worriedly.

"Yes." Fran shook her head and rolled her eyes. "I walked over to the meat department and asked the butcher to scoop everything out of the cow and throw it in a to-go box. And let it be known, Junior and I are having Chinese." A loud yawn escaped her lips. "Excuse me," she replied quietly as she rested her head on her husband's shoulder.

"Honey, why don't you go upstairs. I'll be up and I'll bring you some tea."

"Okay, but since I can't have any caffeine, tea better be a metaphor for sex or I'll be highly disappointed." Fran mumbled, not moving from the couch, knowing how he loves to carry her to their room.

"Why do I get the feeling she's faking it so that she can get him into bed?" CC asked Niles. Realization crossed her face and suddenly she dropped her head onto Niles' shoulder. Soft, obviously fake snores rang through the room.

"Looks like I better put her to bed," Niles announced playing along. He wrapped his arm around her and tried to lift her up off the chair and failed. He grunted and tried again. And failed.

"Oh for god's sake!" she cried and tugged on his hand and led him into their home, right across from the mansion.

Niles laughed as she screamed when he easily picked her up, kicked the front door closed, and carried her up to their bedroom, almost tripping over the dog.

"Chester! One fall down the stairs in one lifetime is plenty."

~~~~

"Do you like it?" he asked as he pulled the covers down, hot from the exertion.

"From the first time we ever did it, you know I've loved it. You should have been named Miles, you certainly live up to it." CC teased.

"You know I'll never get tired of hearing that, but that's not what I meant." He leaned over for a kiss.

"I know. And yes, of course I like my present! I can't wait to hang it up. Although you look slightly younger in it," she criticized good-naturedly as she touched her lips to his.

"Artistic license. Besides you make me feel younger." Niles accepted another kiss gladly. "Happy Anniversary, CC."

"Happy Anniversary, Niles. I love you."

~~~~

"He's perfect," CC cooed. "And he has your eyes."

Her husband gazed proudly at the new addition to their family. "And your hair."

"Niles, he's bald!" CC frowned at her husband as he chuckled.

He will always love the way his wife reacts to his off-handed remarks. "You're right though," he whispered with awe, "he is perfect."

"Did you ever think this would happen?" CC managed to link her fingers with his as she rocked the baby in her arms.

Niles reached over with his other hand and grinned as his finger was held in a strong tiny grasp. "I never imagined that life would be this wonderful." Then he noticed a figure walking towards them. "Looks like it's time to give him up."

CC scowled as she saw the attractive young man approach. "I'm not ready yet, Matthew."

"Sorry," he reached over and carefully took the baby from her arms. "But it's time for his feeding and then he'll probably fall right to sleep." He tilted the baby so that they could see him one last time. "Say nighty-night to Grammy and Grandpa, Timothy."

Niles and CC waved at their handsome grandson and sighed collectively with happiness as they watched their son cradle the precious cargo to his charming wife, who was waiting in the bedroom.

"So what are you thinking?" Niles asked as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and felt her wrap hers around his waist.

"I'm thinking that I'm so glad our diaper days are over!" CC grinned. "And I can't wait for our Caribbean cruise to start."

Niles trills his tongue, "Caribeee!" And does a basic samba elbow move. "Feelin' hot, hot, hot."

CC laughed and joined him in a quick samba step.

Behind them hung the anniversary present that Niles presented to CC years ago. They gave it to Matthew for safe keeping as they enjoyed their twilight years traveling around the country, discovering new and wonderful places to make love in.

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