I own none of the following characters from "The Nanny" nor do I own Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" or Go West's "King of Wishful Thinking."

*Try to imagine that the ending to "Yetta's Letters" either never happened, or that this happened sometime between the opening of the musical and Nile's number at the end.

Happy Birthday, Niles

by

Rachel
(Ronandpercyweasley@yahoo.com)

Niles paraded the room of actors and philanthropists in his stunning black tux. He held a dry martini in one hand, and C.C.’s hand in the other. Feeling immensely proud, he talked theater and acting with the top-notch producers, directors and actors. C.C. beamed up at him, and he winked at her at one point. He felt her lean into his ribs, and he adored the intimacy. They were so comfortable together, finally able to show affection after 20 years of bickering. He was so happy to be with her, that he finally suggested that they leave the party, despite the fact that he was the center of attention. The crowd was begging them to stay some more when-

BUUUUUUUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Nile’s alarm clock went off. 6:00 a.m. He was in his bedroom in Maxwell Sheffield’s home. "Just a dream," he groaned when he realized that he wasn’t holding C.C. or a martini and that no directors asking him to be the next Adolpho in La Boehm. One thing he knew, though, C.C. wasn’t a dream. He glanced from his alarm clock to a picture of her he kept on his dresser. Her stunning face glowed a massive smile at him. He puckered him lips at the direction of the picture and then got up to face the day. It was Wednesday. Saturday was his birthday. His birthday didn’t mean that much to him, but he did hope that C.C. would remember, since a, they were together and b, she has been very busy pulling together publicity and conferences for "Yetta’s Letters" How proud he was of her after the opening night. He sat behind her at the premiere. They didn’t want to draw attention to their relationship by sitting next to each other, but since Yetta was next to him, dozing off, no one noticed when he would stroke the side of her hair or clasp her hand that she held up for him. He purposely dropped his program at one point, and when he bent down, she turned around, pretending to help him, and he kissed her before Fran realized what was going on.

He sang through his shower and then got downstairs to make breakfast for everyone. The thought of C.C. still present on his mind. Gosh how he missed her last night. They’d made love nearly everyday since that first night. Granted, it wasn’t all about sex, they did bare their souls to each other as they lie there, but he missed his C.C. Suddenly, as he was frying the eggs, he felt two long arms clasp around his waist and a soft kiss on the back of his neck. His body went like jelly.

"Heya Baby," said C.C. Niles turned from the stove to face her. He kissed her softly on the lips and then let his forehand linger on her’s.

"Hey Dumpling," he said. They loved to reminisce of that time they were strangely drawn to each other. They did later admit that they were hot for each other the whole time, but the experience was still one to talk about.

"I missed you last night," she said, giving him little kisses on his cheek.

"I missed you too. What were you up to?"

"Oh, you know, sleeping with the director of "Yetta’s Letters."

"I suspected as much. Slut."

C.C. laughed. "Oh Niles, I have been so busy getting the publicity done. I’m sorry, but I really needed last night to get my papers in order for Max and my meeting this morning."

Niles poured her a cup of coffee and listened to her talk.

"But at least it will all be over Saturday night."
Niles started.

"Saturday?"
"Yeah, we have a business dinner at Twenty-One with the investors. I will be SO glad when this week is over. Then I get to spend more time with you!" she said as she gave him a steady kiss.

"She forgot my birthday," Niles thought. "I know she knows because she sends me a clown every year to throw a pie in my face!"

"Niles, honey, you OK?"

"Yeah, yeah I’m fine. Want some breakfast?" he said in a serious tone.

"No, no thanks, I couldn’t eat a bite. I better get into the office," and she gave him another kiss. "See you later, honey." And she walked out of the kitchen.

Niles was very hurt, but at that moment, Fran and Max came downstairs, so there was no time to be mad when no one is supposed to know that he is having an affair with the woman he loved.

Thursday Morning at C.C.’s apartment

"No, no, we have to meet no later than 1! I only have the theater booked for Saturday afternoon, and they need time to get ready for the evening’s performance!" C.C. said in a hard whisper over the phone. "Look, either be there or your fired, got it?" and she hung up. She made a note on her notepad and then picked up the phone again.

"Hello, Hello, this is C.C. Babcock, I’m calling for Susan Door. I’ll wait. Hello Sue, it’s C.C. Did you get the script? Did you read it? Wonderful. And the cast, do they all have copies? Perfect. How far along are you all? The last act? Perfect. You have to be off book by Saturday afternoon. Yes I know that, that was my doing. You’ll see. No, no, I don’t want you to wear the "Yetta’s Letters" costumes, didn’t maids and butler outfits arrive? NO????? CRAP! Ok, ok, ALL OF YOU, run down to wardrobe. I’ll meet you in twenty minutes."

Friday Morning

Niles was very depressed. He hadn’t seen nor spoken to C.C. since Wednesday morning. Not only was he convinced that she completely forgot his birthday, but he was wondering if she still cared for him at all. He did his best to go on with his normal schedule, because he especially didn’t want Fran to notice his attitude. He just didn’t understand how she could rush into the house that night the way she did, with that look in her eyes, and say, "I’m sorry. You were right. You were always right about me. You’re the only person who’s ever known who I truly am. I knew it all along, but wasted so much time putting you down because you’re, you’re a butler and I’m..I’m. I’m sorry. I’m a jerk, I really am. But, I, I love you, Niles." He thought also of the night that she was caught in the blizzard. He was so scared that he’d never see her again. What joy went thought his body when he saw her come through the door, wanting to run and hold her, but he couldn’t. Later that evening, Grace told him what she said in the car, "I’ll never experience the sweet touch of my beautiful Ni-" and she stopped, but Grace knew she was about to say Niles. Niles kept that thought in his mind when he proposed and then when he later had her. And now, for the past few days, she was never around. She made time when they were busy pulling the show together, why not now!? Just a card, that’s all I want. Just a card that says, "To Niles, Happy Birthday, Love-, From- C.C. "Who am I fooling? I should have known better." Suddenly, the phone rang.

"Sheffield residence."

"Hi honey, is Max there?"

My, my, she really wants to chat with me, doesn’t she?

"Hey C.C., how are you?"

"Fine, fine, but I really need to speak with Max, sweetie."

Niles ground his teeth. "Fine," and he went and got him. When Max came into the room, Niles stormed into the kitchen, not wanting to be in the same room where he could hear her voice. He turned on his portable radio in the kitchen and proceeded to peel vegetables for dinner.

I don't need to fall at your feet
Just 'cause you cut me to the bone
And I won't miss the way that you kiss me
We were never carved in stone
If I don't listen to the talk of the town
Then maybe I can fool myself.

"I can’t believe she could be this distant with me," he muttered to himself. "Well, screw her." Niles thought about what he just said and then continued with his work. He peeled onions and his left eye started to water.

I refuse to give in to my blues
That's not how it's going to be
And I deny the tears in my eyes
I don't want to let you see.. no
That you have made a hole in my heart
And now I've got to fool myself..

Fran came into the kitchen. She noticed him tearing.

"Niles, honey, you alright?"

"Onions."
"Oh, I thought for a second that you were sad about it being your birthday tomorrow."

Niles looked at her. She knows it’s my birthday, why doesn’t C.C.?

"Listen, Max and I talked and we want you to talk the day off tomorrow. Treat yourself, sweetie," she said as she touched his arm.

"Thanks." But Niles couldn’t think of a single thing he wanted to do. "But I think I’ll stick around here. There’s nothing for me to do."

"Oh, honey, I’m sure something will turn up."

Saturday morning

Niles didn’t set his alarm clock, and he slept in until 9. When he got downstairs half hour later, he found the table set for one.

"SURPRISE!" everyone yelled. Max, Fran, Maggie, Brighton and Grace arranged a special breakfast for him. They set out good china that they would only on Christmas and Easter, and they served him that morning with a breakfast of scones, cream and jam with piping hot coffee. Niles was grateful for the attention, and even more grateful for the 24- carrot gold cufflinks that the family gave him. He smiled and laughed with them and thanked them all. When he was done, they cleared the table for him, and Maggie brought him a fresh newspaper. Fran poured him another cup of coffee. Niles sat there, content, forgetting momentarily that his girlfriend/lover forgot his birthday. The family let him have some privacy, and they went about their own business.

Niles relaxed in the dining room, and then he watched one of his favorite movies on television: Bringing Up Baby. He was engrossed in the film when the doorbell rang. No one but him was around to hear it, so he got up to answer it. C.C. was at the door, holding a red rose.

"Happy Birthday, Niles!" she said as she kissed him. Niles was taken aback during the whole thing, not expecting any of it. "Quick, get your coat on. I have a surprise for you!" Niles’ insides warmed with happiness. She didn’t forget. He grabbed his coat from the closet and followed C.C. into her limo.

"You won’t tell me?"
"Not a word. I’ve worked too hard to just tell you."

"So this is what you’ve been up to lately!"

C.C. smiled, "What? Did you think I was having an affair with a wonderful, caring, sexy butler across town?"

Niles smiled and let her recline against his chest. Finally, they arrived in front of the theater that was showing "Yetta’s Letters." Niles was puzzled.

"What’s all this about? Why are we here?"

"You’ll see," she said as they got out of the limo. They entered the theater that looked more or less empty, but all the lights were on. They made their way into the theater. It was pretty dark in there, and so C.C. took Niles’ hand and lead him up to the front, and up onto the stage.

"What are you playing, Babcock?" he asked, totally clueless as to why there were there. He was now standing somewhere on the stage, and C.C. let his hand go. All of a sudden, she shouted, ‘NOW!’ and the house lights went up. They were on stage with the cast of "Yetta’s Letters," but they were all dressed up as butlers and maids. Niles was still puzzled.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday! I present to you the cast of "Yetta’s Letters," only this afternoon, they are the cast of ‘Love, Valet, Compassion!’ They’re all yours, Niles. I had copies of the script sent to all of them, and they’re ready for your directions. The afternoon, the cast, the theater is all yours. I bought out the afternoon matinee for you to use the theater." C.C. explained as she beamed at the love of her life.

Niles was completely and totally at a loss for words. No one had ever done anything like this for him before. He didn’t’ know if words could express his gratitude. His mouth moved, and he tried to speak to her, but she put her fingers to his lips.

"Me later. They need you now. Trust me, they know the script; all they need is you to direct them. You have the theater for the next 4 hours. Have fun, darling," she whispered as she disappeared off the stage and sat in the front row.

Niles’ dreams were coming true. He spent the afternoon in sheer heaven directing the actors, having them take him seriously, even for one afternoon. They were a very good cast, and they responded well to his instructions. C.C. sat and watched the whole production. In the end they were able to perform a few of the numbers quite well, and C.C. clapped for them all.

Later that evening

C.C. met Niles in her limo. When he got in, she instructed her driver to take them to Twenty-One. Niles smiled and laughed when he heard that.

"You planned this all week, didn’t you?"

"More like three. I had to beg, borrow and steal to buy out the show this soon after opening. But I hope it was worth it to you. Did you have fun?"

Fun didn’t begin to describe his day.

"To put it lightly, yes, I had fun."

"I am so glad."

"Miss Babcock?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you do this?"

C.C. was very surprised at the question.

"What?"

"Why did you do all this for me?"

C.C. smiled a seductive smile. "Do you want me to tell you?"

"Be serious."

She laughed. "Alright. Well, um, I did this because, well, because," she looked into his eyes and ran her right hand through his hair.

"You make me so happy. SO happy. I can’t tell you how joyful I have been since we’ve been together. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I thank God that I have you in my life like this." Niles was stunned.

"Really?"

"Did you think it was all about sex?"

"Well…"

"NILES!"

"Just kidding, just kidding. No, I always knew that there was something between us, I just didn’t realize how much I meant to you, even after we started, you know. I guess I still have it in my mind that you’re an heiress, and I’m a butler"

"That isn’t important and you know it. It was only an excuse for us."

"I know.

"Niles, I’m not ready to marry you, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you."

Niles beamed at her.

"You, you love me?"

"Yes."

"Honestly?"
She touched his check softly with her hand. "I love you."

A smile engulfed his face, and he kissed her passionately on the lips. "I love you too."

The car phone rang from up front. "Miss Babcock, there is heavy traffic now, do you want me to take another route?"

"No, no, this is fine, doesn’t matter, reservations aren’t until 6:30," and she hung up. Niles and C.C. sat and grinned at each other. Finally, she decided to relax in the arms of her boyfriend. She put her arms around his waist and sat with her head against his chest as he caressed her hair.

"Happy Birthday, Bellboy."

Niles played with her hair.

"Thanks, brunette."

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