Ok folks, couldn't find enough Christmas presents for each and every one of you, so, will this do? Love you all!-especially the mispucha! <wink wink>(I highly recommend Franks Sinatra's 1957 recording of the song!-WONDERFUL!) Merry Christmas!-madison

Merry Christmas to all the The Nanny fans! Enjoy!- Lizzy

Disclaimer: We do not own any of the characters or any other part of The Nanny, the rights are exclusively to Fran Dresher and Peter Mark Jacobson. - we just took them for a sleigh-ride....

Closet Claus

by

Lizzy and Madison
(lizzybdarcy@hotmail.com) and (madi_swe@juno.com)

It was Christmas Eve and CC wasn’t excited for Christmas like the rest of her twelve year old friends. Christmas never meant anything to her family except an excuse to have a drink before noon. They never had any of the regular seasonal traditions like hanging stockings from their fireplace or mistletoe over the doorway- It was just another day of disappointment for CC.

That night CC went to bed expecting nothing under the Christmas tree except a new Academy blazer from mother and a new computer from father. They never exchanged anything of sentimental value, and this year she was sure would be no different.

When she woke up Christmas morning the remnants of a depressing night carried over and CC just wanted to sleep the whole day through. However just as she was turning over to the other side of the bed, a glint of red foil caught her eye. She kicked the sheets off of her clingy flannel nightgown and sat up to see what it was.

CC half glared at the package thinking it might be another one of Noel’s tricks, but on second thought Noel would never wrap something so intricately. It was beautifully wrapped with a deep sparkly red foil paper and a magnificent white and silver bow on top, neatly holding what looked like a Christmas card. Now she knew it wasn’t Noel, no one in her family ever gave cards. Hesitantly she picked up the present, not really convinced that it was indeed for her.

Like a proper lady she read the card first even though she was dying to open up the box. On the front of the card was a picture of a snowman holding a sign that said "Merry Christmas" spelled out in coal pieces. CC looked inside and she found a scribbled line saying "Have yourself a merry little Christmas CC, hope this brings you some Christmas cheer!" At the bottom it was signed, "Love, Nanny Bobo." Curious to what Nanny Bobo had gotten her, she slowly pulled off the bow and peeled back the wrap to find a plain white box. Once she pried the tape off the flaps of the box and made it through three layers of colorful tissue paper she found a large snow globe.

Inside the globe was a replica of Rockefeller Center and the giant Christmas tree that illuminated it every Christmas season. CC was enchanted by the miniature winter wonderland- and giving it a thorough inspection, found a turn key- a few cranks later and she heard the tune, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" being performed right in her own bedroom. She placed it on her nightstand and watched the snow fall on the tiny tree and listened to its tune over and over again. To CC it was the most magical gift she had ever received, and she was perfectly content to look at the globe and pretend she was inside that perfect Christmas scene for the rest of the day. And so she did for at least an hour until her mother burst into her room.

BB:Chastity, what is that infernal noise? You should've been up 45 minutes ago! Your father is coming to get you in 15 minutes-

CC: (interrupting)-But I thought I was to spend the holiday with you?

BB: Oh heavens no, Child. You would most likely just be in the way when Roberto gets here. Come on, up-up-up!

Her mother turned on her heels to exit the room when she remembered what caught her attention in the first place.

BB: Why, what's this Chastity?

She picked up the snowglobe and listened to the tune. Soon a smug smile came across her face as she scoffed her next words.

BB: "A Merry Little Christmas." Puh! What rubbish. The only good thing about Christmas, my dear, as you will soon find out, is that even the prices of booze goes down for the sales. All this trash about love and peace, and loving mankind, don't dillusion yourself with it Chastity! You'll just get hurt. I say hurt them before they can hurt you! You're growing to be too much like your Father. Well, that will stop right now. Beginning with this going where it belongs-in the bin!

By this time, CC was in tears.

CC: No mother! Nanny Bobo gave it to me! It's mine to do with it as I please!

BB: Really Chastity, look what Christmas has done to you already: turned you into a whimpering little urchin. I may be re-thinking my choice to have Nanny Bobo employed. The snowglobe is going in the trash, you'll thank me one day for saving you from such degradation. Now get up and dressed, your Father will be here any minute.

With that, BB left, closing the door behind her. CC sat stunned, hugging her knees to her chest, tears streaming down her face.

CC: (thinking to herself) Maybe Mother's right. Maybe all that comes out of Christmas is pain and hurt. (she sniffed hard) Well, it's not going to hurt me. It's time I thought of protecting myself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grace and CC were sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea.

Grace: Did that really happen, Miss Babcock?

CC stared at her mug and nodded. She couldn't believe she had just divulged such a childhood memory to this very grown-up teen. But, Grace, having been trained by Fran in the art of being a yenta, was persistent in knowing why Miss Babcock disliked Christmas so much. Actually in the last couple years (what with marrying Niles, moving to California, having Emily, then moving back to New York), she had become quite a pleasant person; though, Niles could tell she had been holding something in, to which he employed the innocent Miss Grace to wheedle out.

Actually, it started with Niles just wanting a hint at what he should get his Ice Queen for Christmas. Perfectly innocent, no? But as the conversation progressed, CC opened up completely, she even shed a few tears.

G: So, if you could have something to put a more pleasant light on Christmas, you would pick the snow globe?

CC: Well, it wasn’t just the snow globe; it was the love and thought behind it. Ok, even I’ll admit that sounded corny.

Grace just shook her head in agreement. Niles would be home from the market soon, Grace now had quite a story to tell him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Niles sighed to himself after learning of his wife’s divulgement to his "mole" .

N: My poor Ice Queen To think that that could be the seed from which her bitterness first sprang. I could just strangle that mother-in-law of mine.

G: So, will that due for information concerning her gift? Are you just going to get her a snow globe?

Niles just stared ahead at the wall, lost in thought. He heard Grace, but wasn’t listening to her.

G: Niles? Yenta Central to Niles?

Niles shook himself.

N: What? Oh, sorry Miss Grace. I was just pondering the possibilities. I think we can do better than a snow globe. But this may take a bit more money than I have to spend.

The kitchen door swung open as Fran walked in on the conversation.

F: So ya wanna get Miss Babcock a real fancy-schmancy Christmas gift, but ya don’t have the funds to back it up?

Niles smirked at her.

N: Mrs. Sheffield, dusting the intercom is MY job!

F: Wha? It looked like it could use some cleaning, what with you and all your marital duties taking up so much of your time.

N: How was I supposed to know I was getting involved with Ebenezer Screw?

F: Didn’t need that picture in my head. Moving on, moving on, all ya need to do is get a part-time job somewhere...Oh! I know! My Cousin Manny is about to open a brand new business. Are ya any good with animal sounds?

N: I’m not even going to ask. Thanks just the same, but I think I have an idea of what to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that night Niles was tucking their precocious little Emily into her bed. He sat on the edge after smoothing down her fluffy comforters.

N: So, my little angel, have you thought of what you would like Santa Claus to bring you for Christmas?

The miniature version of CC smiled and nodded her head as Niles tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

E: Oh yes, Daddy! I’ve thought about it for some time now. I think I’d like someone to play with.

N: What? Like a puppy?

E: Nope. Like a brother..OH! Or a sister Daddy! You think Santa would bring one to me? I’ve been extra good this year.

N: Oh, my Dear One, you’ve been perfect. But are you sure? You’d really like a brother or sister?

E: Mmm-hmm, very much.

N: Well, we’ll see. Goodnight Sweetheart.

He kissed the top of her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

E: Goodnight Daddy! I love you!

Niles stood at the open door for a minute and gazed on his little treasure.

N: I love you too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning after having breakfast with CC and Emily, then making the Sheffield’s their breakfast, Niles sat at the table in the Sheffield home pondering when he could get away to put his plan into effect.

As luck would have it, later that day he managed to sneak out when Fran and the kids went shopping and Mr. Sheffield and his blushing bride were down at the theatre. Niles knew right where to go….Macy’s!

He had heard that they were hiring over the busy holiday season and he thought he would be perfect for retail, "what with my winning smile and personality I could be a smash in the lingerie department!" With that Niles marched into customer service and put in an application. Just as he was walking out he overheard the clerk having an interesting conversation with someone who was certainly a head honcho…

Clerk: He couldn’t have quit! It’s only two weeks till Christmas! And a replacement this late in the season will be quite hard to find….

Niles’ brain was turning, "This certainly sounds better than an ordinary sales clerk job"

N: Excuse me miss? Miss?

Clerk: (into the phone) Hold on a minute- (to Niles): Yes Sir?

N: It seems you are in quite a predicament, I am not quite sure what the job entails, but I can tell you I am highly qualified when it comes to service, and I’m a fast learner, (he leans over the desk arching his brow and giving his famous charismatic smile) and I can start today.

The clerk looked him over and mentally considered the possibility.."hmm, not very old, but old enough, way to in-shape but we can fix that with a little padding, we’d need to get him a beard- but it would be such a shame to cover up that face…"

Clerk: You’re hired. I’ll call management and they’ll get you all suited up and on the floor before you can say, "Ho Ho Ho!"

Niles was a bit puzzled and now extremely curious as to what he’d gotten himself into, just when he was about to ask the clerk, a man named Jason introduced himself and led him away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One week down, one to go until Christmas. So far the Butler didn’t think anyone was getting wise to his doings, but that was soon to change.

CC: Nanny Fine where’s Niles?

Fran: I think he left a little bit ago, but he didn’t say where he was going.

CC: Hmm, come to think of it I haven’t seen much of Tidy Bowl these days, he always seems to be "running errands" or "picking up something downtown" I know I’ve been busy with the new show, but I really miss torturing him during working hours. …. That Julia Child wannabe better not be stirring someone else‘s batter with his spatula!

Fran: I tell ya Miss Babcock, romantic poetry just spews out of your mouth doesn’t it? Anyway, you know you can trust Niles, he would nevah do anything like that to you, or to Emily, he loves you too much.

CC: I know you’re right Nanny Fine, but you know he does have the most amazing…….

Fran: STOP! Stop right there, I don’t want to hear anymore! (plugging her ears and running out of the kitchen) It’s like finding out that Fred and Ethel are into S&M!

Rolling her eyes CC continued to daydream about a certain domestic wearing only a strategically placed branch of mistletoe. However, even that fantasy couldn’t take her mind off of what Niles had been doing on all these afternoons. She had to find out what that Yenta Butler had up his sleeve.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the initial shock of being Macy’s official "Santa Clause" had worn off, Niles had actually begun to enjoy his new job. All these children believing that he was Santa Clause, and could grant their every wish was something Niles had never felt before. He wished he could get CC and Emily everything that they had ever dreamed of, although being a Butler for thirty years had left him fairly well-off, he still needed to put in the hours moonlighting in order to give CC the Christmas she never had, and most certainly deserved. With that in mind Niles re-focused his attention to his next excited customer.

Kid: "Wow it’ s really you Santa!!"

N: What’s your name young man?

Kid: It’s Samuel

N: And what do you want for Christmas Samuel?

Samuel: This year all I want is to have a baby brother to play with, it’s kinda boring playing with Mommy and Daddy all day.

N: Well that’s something that Santa won’t be able to bring, but you never know Samuel, you may get your wish!

Samuel: Thanks Santa! I’m going to go home right now and tell Mommy and Daddy that that is the number one thing that I want this year for Christmas!

As Samuel ran toward his parents he thought of his conversation with Emily. He would love to have another child, Emily was the joy of his life, and he could stand a few more just like her: a dry wit, intelligent, a mischievous grin inherited from him, and the beauty of her mother. Niles continued to daydream his way through a couple hours until the idea of another child really grew on him, "and why not have another baby? We are both still young, well at least I am.., but I wonder what CC would think of the idea." He thought he would run the idea past her sometime…."well first things first, her Christmas present, and if that goes well," he thought, "maybe nature will take care of business for me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was now close to midnight and an exhausted Niles fell back on their king-size bed. He rolled over to put an arm over his wife when the light on the bedstand came on with a click. She sat up and gave him a questioning look.

CC: Niles, do you love me?

Now Niles sat up.

N: (to himself) oh great, here it comes!

N: (to her) Of course I do. You KNOW I do. What kind of question is that?

CC: I think it's a very good question, considering I've barely seen you this past week. You sneak away after lunch and return late, tired and exausted. Niles, are you...

She tried to finish, but the words got caught in her throat as a lone tear rolled down her cheek. Niles knew what she was about to ask. He took her in his arms and, feeling her stiffen a little, pulled her close.

N: Now, CC, don't get such a fool idea into your head, you silly Wench. I would never dream of doing anything like that. You know you're the only one for me. There's not another person on this earth like you CC, (he kissed the tip of her nose)... no one.(he continued with a smirk) -and that's a good thing!

She now relaxed in his embrace and continued.

CC: Well, where have you been these past evenings? What have you been doing?

N: Well,....it's sort of a secret.

CC: A surprise?

N: Somewhat.

Now she was getting excited. She grabbed on to the lapel of his pajama top.

CC: For me? For Emily? For Christmas?

Niles chuckled at her giddiness.

N: Believe me Sweetheart, all shall be revealed in due time.

She thought for a moment, then looked at him through lowered lashes.

CC: Revealed? in due time? What's wrong with right now?

He returned her look.

N: Absolutely nothing. Turn off the light.

She giggled and complied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

N: Tonight's the night! Oh I do hope everything goes as planned, now all I have left to do is prepare my tux -and make sure the Haynes' sisters get back from window shopping with the kids on time (as Niles was about to turn the corner he heard the door open)

N: Were your ears ringing Miss Clooney?

CC: (with a puzzled look) Niles have you been drinking?

N: No, I've just seen White Christmas too many times. Hey you better start getting ready, we've got to leave in an hour.

CC: Well I would except I have no idea what to wear to our little rendezvous.

N: I took the liberty of buying you a new dress for the occasion, I hope you like it

CC is now intensely curious and bolts upstairs to see what her Butler Boy has picked out for her. "God I hope he didn't have Nanny Fine help him pick it out" As she walked into their room she saw a gorgeous full-length wine-colored evening gown with a halter style strap and a heart-shaped bust line. It was to die for!

CC: (she turned around to go thank Niles, but she jumped when she discovered she was being watched) Ahhh! Dammit Niles you scared the hell out of me!

N: I hope not, that's the part I like. And is that anyway to thank me for your new ensemble?

CC gave him a "I guess it's alright" kind of look, but she couldn't hold it, she gave up and ran into his arms and gave him a proper thank you.

N: (between kisses) Darling… you know how I would love…. to continue this... show of appreciation,…. but we really must get going

CC: (tearing herself away from her handsome, now slightly tousled husband) Alright alright if I must

N: You must. I'll go and put my tux on and I'll meet you downstairs in half-an-hour

CC: Ok I'll be there Hazel, now scurry so I can get beautiful

Half-an-hour passed, then forty minutes, then forty-five minutes......

N: Where is that woman! We are going to be late! She probably can't find the right..... (CC comes down the stairs into the entry-way) Holy.. (he gulps) My God are you beautiful.

CC grins at him and takes his arm. He couldn't bear to move his eyes off of her, even to open the door. After a few stolen kisses and a glass of wine, the car came to a halt, and they stepped out into the night. Not paying attention to where they were going, due to Niles looking irresistibly sexy in his black tuxedo and being completely charming, it wasn't until he helped her out of the limo till she looked at her surroundings. Immediately, CC, recognized their destination, and put her hand up to her mouth to stifle a small gasp. Niles nodded toward the band as they started to play a familiar tune.

N: Well, it’s not a snow globe, but it’s the best I could do under the circumstances.

The Blond was quickly becoming emotional at such a gift.

CC: Niles...It’s..I..I don’t know what to say.

Tears welled in her eyes as she took in his enchanting thoughtful gift. An entire section of the park was sectioned off with white twinkling lights and there was a private dance floor and table for two waiting for them by the jazz band. A few rogue tears streamed down her face as she now looked into his dancing eyes.

He extended his hand to her.

N: You don’t have to say anything. May I have this dance?

She could only smile and nod as he led her to the floor. She slid her hands behind his head with his arms around her waist. He leaned into her neck and planted feathery kisses as he sang to her quietly.

The happy couple held each other in their arms until the music stopped and even then, they didn’t let go. Both wanting to hold onto the moment and each other for ever. The night was perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twas the morning before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring....except CC. After finally finding out what her wonderful surprise was, she was now stumped on what to get for him- she would never be able to top his present! It needed to be thoughtful dammit, she needed to win!.. It wasn't only the winning though, she really wanted to show him how much she loved him, and not just for last night (she showed him that four times), but she wanted him to know that she was happy and it was because of him.

Fran: (walking through the kitchen door) Hi Miss Babcock

CC doesn't respond

Fran: I said hello Miss Babcock (still no response, Fran begins to wave her hand in front of CC's face) - Oy Miss Babcock, are you ok?

CC: (snapping out of it) What? Oh - hello Nanny Fine

Fran: What's the mattah?

CC: Oh nothing really, I'm just trying to figure out what to get Dust Buster for Christmas

Fran: Well, I might be able to help you there- I came in here to see if you wanted to do some last minute shopping?

CC: Why not, I might get some ideas, and I have a few hours to kill before my doctor‘s appointment.

As they got in the limo and drove to the department stores, CC sat in silence thinking- but not about what she was going to get Niles. She had been feeling off lately, she was tired and a bit nauseous. She had the feeling she had gotten the flu from the twins in the last couple days. They were always running in and out of the office- and she played with them and Emily a few times before she had found out they were contagious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally arriving at Macy’s, they pushed their way through the hustling and bustling crowds. Soon, they had bags enough between them to fulfill the Christmas wishes of an entire village.

CC: I thought you were supposed to hear bells over all this "hustle and bustle", all I hear are screaming parents and crying children, with the occasional, "I’m sorry, but you’re card has been denied!" Nanny Fine, are we done yet?

F: Yep, almost, just have one more thing to get. I forgot that Max had something on toy-lay-away for Emily.

CC: Now, you know that she’s going to be spoiled enough by me and Niles! Not to mention what his parents will be sending her! You and Max don’t have to go to such trouble.

F: Oh puh-lease, she’s my god-daughter! This is no trouble at all!

They neared the toy section when suddenly they were confronted by a seemingly endless line.

F: Whoa, this betta not be the lay-away line!

A shopper with her son in the line heard them, turned around and pointed.

Shopper: Oh, no, the lay-away line is over there. This is the line to see Santa Clause. (putting her hand up to shield her mouth) They say it’s the best Santa they’ve ever hired!

F: Really?! Wow! I’ll have to bring my kids later, and Miss Babcock, you should bring Emily!.....Miss Babcock? Now where did she head off to?

CC had recognized the wife of an investor and was just about to make small talk when a familiar laugh rang in her ears. She whipped around and searched….hmmm…strange. She could’ve sworn that she heard Niles. No. Just that Santa Claus with outrageously stunning blue eyes-WHAT?! It couldn’t be! She blinked a few times. But just then he laughed again. It WAS!

She covered her mouth with her hand and tried to muffle a laugh. A floorwalker was just passing by, and wanting to get to the bottom of this, she pulled on his sleeve.

CC: Excuse me (looking at his name-tag) Jason?

J: Yes Ma’am, how may I help you?

CC: I was just wondering about that Santa Claus…they say he’s the best you’ve ever hired? Is that true?

J: Oh yes, he’s so good with the kids. He hasn’t had one crier, or screamer yet!

Again CC had to hide her laughter at the word "screamer", as she recalled their evening "together" just last night.

CC: Hmm, I see, thanks Jason!

J: Glad to be of service. Happy Holidays!

Well, now she knew where he was, that was a relief! But what to do with this bit of information? Hmmm, I'll think of something, but in the mean time I better get going or I'll be late for my appointment. CC looked around for Fran and told her she had to go, and she'd see her tomorrow morning. After fighting through herds of hormonal and frantic women, CC found her way back to the limo and made it just in time to her doctor's office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CC: Come again?

Doctor: I said you're pregnant CC.

A dazed look came over CC that after a moment turned into a glowing smile.

CC: Another baby......when is h... Doctor do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet?

Doctor: Not yet, it will be a few more weeks until we can tell. But for now I want you to take it easy and start cutting down on your work hours, just like you did for Emily.

CC: Alright Doc, I'll see you in a few weeks at our next appointment.

Doctor: CC, I have your baby's first picture for you to take home

CC: (looking at the photo of their new baby, their new baby!) Thanks Doc. (She continued with a satisfied smirk) I think I just figured out what to get my husband for Christmas!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CC rushed back across town to catch Niles while he was still in uniform. She had a little someone that wanted to sit on Santa's lap before Christmas....

Niles had a few children left to see, then it was home to his CC and Emily for milk and cookies and maybe a little Christmas cheer under the mistletoe..... - Just as Niles began to daydream again he could see Jason walking toward him.

Jason: Santa, I have a special customer who wants to sit on your lap, but she’s a little shy...

N: Well tell her there is nothing to be shy about and Santa wants to hear what special present she wants for Christmas

Jason comes back after a few moments

Jason: She wants you to close your eyes until she sits on your lap

N: Well alright, if she's that shy, no little girl should go without seeing Santa Clause (he closes his eyes)

CC walks over to where Niles is sitting and slowly lowers herself onto his lap. Feeling quite a bit heavier than the rest of his clients Niles popped open his eyes to see what kid could weigh that much. To his udder surprise, it was CC. She just smiled at him, and pulled down his beard.

N: What are you doing here? How did you find out? Well this is quite embarrassing...I

CC: Niles it's fine, I think it's a wonderful way to work through the holidays, I watched a dozen or so of the children sitting on your lap and I think you made their Christmas, you made mine too.

Getting over his embarrassment, he thought he would have a little fun with his Mrs. Clause

N: So what does Mrs. Clause want for Christmas?

CC pretended to mull this question over thoroughly, and in the end she gave him his answer.

CC: Well I do need something,

N: Well.... (mildly curious)

CC: I need a new frame

N: A frame? What for? ...Oh did you get the pictures back from last night?

CC: No... I need the frame for this (she hands him the picture of their new baby)

Niles looks at her slightly grinning with questioning arched eyebrows

CC smiles at him through her misty eyes

Niles is now grinning from ear to ear, and despite the crowd, pulls his wife close to him and kisses her, pouring every emotion that he is feeling at the moment onto her mouth...and neck.... and ......

Jason: Santa....Ahemmmm....Santa!

N: Oh! Um....(pulling his beard back up) Ho ho ho! Children, this is Mrs. Clause....erm...she just came to show me a picture of our new elf…and to uh..

CC: And I came to help Santa remember what to get all of you!

N: Nice save Momma Clause

CC shot him a sarcastic glare, and put a hand up to shield her mouth from the kids.

CC: (Whispering and chuckling) Our new "elf", Niles? I think you may be taking this job a little too seriously.

After the last of the children had seen Santa, and Mrs. Clause had taken note of what they wanted for Christmas, Niles and CC were finally able to go home.

N: Wait just a moment, and I'll go change.

CC: (in a non-chalant tone) Niles?

N: Yes Dear?

CC: Do you think you can hang onto that costume for a few days? (Low and throaty) I have a few other requests of my Santa Baby....

N: Yowsa! Lets go Brunette! Santa has to inform Emily that her Christmas wish will come true too!

They walk out hand in hand, and you can hear Niles whistling a snippet of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause.

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