This fic goes out to Mel (mamc031282)

Hunter’s Moon

by

Ceniana
(Ceniana@gmail.com)

"Now are you sure you want to do this?" Janet smiled, letting out a long sigh while holding the telephone. Janet let out a long sigh again, hanging up the phone. She lifted her head up smiling at the grumbling man. "Welcome, Niles!" She stood up, offering her hand.

Niles had worn his best expecting to earn extra money this weekend. One of his oldest friends had told him about Mrs. Janet Peterson’s huge parties she would put on once every three months. "Mrs. Peterson." He leaned down kissing her hand, smiling. "I expected to be working in the kitchen, but I didn’t expect this." Niles had been given a stag costume by the head of household, and after he protested, he was lead inside to await the lady of the house.

Janet looked Niles over one last time smiling. "You are to be my guest tonight, and the rules are…"

"Wait a moment!" Niles let out a huge gasp of air. "I’m to be your what?" Niles did a double take. "Mrs. Peterson, I came here, madam, to earn extra wages so I could afford…."

Janet let out a soft laugh, quieting him down. "You’ll be paid the wage." She lifted up the outfit once more, smiling. "Niles…Do you know my background?"

Niles quickly shook his head, eyeing the elder woman. "You have me at a loss."

"Someone once gave me the chance to see life from a different point of view. They gave me the chance to see something other than the lines of class. This weekend I’m giving you and two others that chance." She once more held out the antlered mask. "You can accept this chance, or you can go… It’s really up to you!"

Niles looked down at the all white costume, letting out a large grumble. "I was set up, wasn’t I?"

"Yes." Janet let out a laugh. "You’ll enjoy it, Mister Butler!" She placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."

"What am I, Bambi?" Niles let out a snicker, looking at the stag costume once more as Janet let out a long sigh.

"Everyone will want to know your identity, and that’s all part of my game here. I have ‘hunts,’ and women from the upper classes will be drooling over those broad shoulders of yours, no doubt." Janet tickled his grumbling chin. "In myth, the white stag was a creature of great strength and hidden beauty."

Niles grumbled, putting on the mask. "I have to wear this thing no matter what?" He pointed at the five inch antlers. "I hope at least these things come off."

Janet showed him that the antlers twisted on and off. "When the horn starts in an hour, the first guest will arrive. I will have a small dinner for your fellow prey."

"You have suckered more than just me?" Niles let out a small laugh.

"This is a special weekend for all those who have and will take part. I have people that come here time and time again looking for the ‘right’ prey." Janet let out a soft sigh.

"You are making me blush, dear lady." Niles flashed a smile as Janet rang a silver bell.

"I would remind you, from this moment onward, you are nothing more than a Stag! Do not share your name with anyone… Niles Butler is off in the kitchens!" Janet winked as three young, giggling women came inside the room. They were dressed in soft yellow and matching yellow masks. "Ladies… This is our stag for the weekend… See that he dresses in the rest of his costume and make sure he prepares himself."

Niles’s jaw dropped as one of the women took his hand, leading him away. Niles let out a grumble as the women showed him his ‘new’ room. "Sweet Mary and Joseph!" He turned seeing the king size bed and touched at the silken sheets. "I’m in a day dream." Niles muttered softly as one of the women softly tugged at his arm. "What?"

"We have to get you ready, Sir Stag, the party is only an hour away!" She blushed as Niles pulled open the rest of the costume.

"There is no top to this?" Niles blinked as the girls started to giggle once more. Niles let out a groan, shaking his head. "Bloody hell, what have I gotten myself into?"

"This party is all about the moon… It’s a full one tonight!" One of the girls handed Niles a razor. "I would suggest sir you shave and maybe work on hiding your accent some?"

"What’s wrong with it?" Niles put on his best pouting face as the women started to giggle once more.

"It gives you away!" They all said at once as Niles shook his head.

"This is going to be a long weekend."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"I can’t believe you aren’t coming this time, Maxwell!" C.C. let out a long hiss while riding in the back of the limo.

"I can’t get away this time. Isn’t she having another one in just a few months, C.C.?" Maxwell’s voice sounded quite annoyed over the phone.

"Yes, and what’s wrong, Maxwell. Is Nanny Fine out on a date?" C.C. let out a rather large cackle as Maxwell’s groan filled her ears. "When are you going to give up on her?"

"Stay out of it, C.C." Maxwell mumbled, and she could hear the drumming of his fingers on the desk. "Just be sure to get that agreement from Mrs. Peterson about backing our new play."

"I’ll get the agreement, but Maxwell…" C.C. let out a groan as he hung up on her. "Idiot." She shifted in her costume, trying her best to get comfortable. She had chosen the ‘Greek Amazon’ as her costume but was rather annoyed at the high skirt showing off her long legs. She was rather used to the business suits she would wear during the work day, and in the back of her mind, she could hear Niles snickering.

"We’ll be there in ten minutes!" The driver rolled down the screen just enough to relay the message and quickly rolled it back up.

"Great… well at least Bell Boy can’t see me dressed in this silly outfit." She had been sent a bow and some rather odd arrows. She had heard rumors for years now about these parties and felt her heart pound recalling the faces of people telling her stories of romance. "Drool over Nanny Fine…" C.C. hissed looking at the arrow. "Maybe I’ll find me a real prize at this party this weekend." C.C. felt the limo come to a stop moments later. Her driver reached out for her hand. She of course never learned his name…after all he was just another servant in the employ of Sheffield-Babcock productions. She stepped out into a world of costume freaks.

"C.C.!" Frank Vance walked forward taking her hand. He was dressed in some type of African garb. "What a pleasure to see you!"

"How did you know it was me?" C.C. blushed as Frank let out a soft laugh.

"One shark always knows another." He winked as C.C. let out a laugh. "His Lordship has sent me here to get Mrs. Peterson’s support.

C.C.’s mind raced to recall what rumors she had heard about Frank Vance. He was one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s officers. He helped him find backers for countless of Broadway hits, but the rumor was one thing was missing with this man. "So… rumor has it you dated an English Baroness."

"Wasn’t worth my time…or hers." Frank let out a long sigh. "One thing with the English… They are ALWAYS uptight and fearful of love."

C.C.’s mind raced back thinking of Maxwell, but she snickered as Nile’s voice filled her head. "He doesn’t like you!" She shook her head smirking. "Is that why you work for one?"

"Look who is talking, my dear." Frank winked as C.C. couldn’t help but laugh.

"Good point." C.C. snickered, shaking her head. "Have you ever been to one of these things before?"

"Yes! It’s lots of fun." He offered his arm. "Come on, I’ll explain the game when we are inside. Remember to keep that mask on….We hunters aren’t allowed to take it off."

C.C. took it, letting out a big sigh. "Let me guess, we are going to throw these things at some big targets?" She held up the arrow, putting it back in her quiver.

"You can say that." Frank pointed towards three statues. "The Dove, the Rabbit, and the Stag." He smirked as C.C. shook her head.

"It is said each one is granted magic on these nights. The full moon is out, and even the heartless among us can fall under their charms." Frank winked towards a grumbling C.C.

"I am not ‘heartless.’" C.C. tilted her head as a servant walked towards her, bowing once.

"Did I say that, my dear?" He was quickly led away as the girl smiled.

"What?" C.C. folded her arms, and she lowered her eyes.

"I’m to take you to your room, Miss." She held C.C.’s weekend bag.

"What ever!" C.C. walked up, grumbling. "Do I look heartless to you, kid?"

"No, Miss." She kept on walking forwards as C.C.’s grumbles grew louder.

"The moon be dammed and what ever magic comes along with this place!" C.C. let out a sigh as the girl opened the door. "I’m on to what ever tricks might come tonight."

"Just remember there is no taking off…" She stopped as C.C. slammed the door "your mask.." She rolled her eyes once walking away.

"Your mask." C.C. hissed, finishing the girl’s sentence and tossing aside the bag, quiver, and bow.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles let out a long sigh, walking into the small room. He felt strangely at home in the costume now. The feel of the soft leather on his skin made him feel more into the character. "Hello." He bowed his head towards the woman covered in the rabbit mask. He lowered his voice, hiding the British accent.

The woman bowed her head lightly and flashed a smile. Niles turned his head to see the next character enter the room. She was no taller than five feet. Niles tilted his head noticing she was covered by a hooded cape with feathers. "My lady." Niles bowed his head once more, and the Dove flashed a soft smile.

"Welcome each and all." Janet was wearing something out a fox hunt back home. He bowed his head her direction, and Janet let out a playful laugh. "I see we are all into character this eve?"

"I’m sill rather frightened about all this." The Rabbit mumbled quietly.

"It’s rather simple. Find the one that has captured your heart, and let me know." Janet sat down holding out her glass. "I would remind you children not to remove your masks, and remember… the guests may tell you their names."

"You mean, we will get to know who is chasing us?" Niles let out a husky laugh. "That doesn’t seem fair!"

"That is part of the magic, dear Stag!" Janet took a deep gulp from the wine glass, and Niles let out a soft sigh. "You still have doubts?"

"I’m still unsure about a lot of things." He raised his eyes, looking towards the Rabbit and Dove. "I’m hardly what one might call…"

Janet raised her hand, smiling towards Niles. "You are the White Stag during this weekend." She winked towards Niles. "You three should enjoy yourselves… You might even run into a few people you know, but remember…. No one is to know your names!"

"The moon is out, lady." One of her servants walked in bowing.

"A hunter’s moon no doubt, and here is the twist, children…. You might be the prey, but the prey can easily become the hunter." Janet winked and stood up, walking out into the hidden passage way.

"I feel strange." The Dove looked down, smiling at her costume. "I’m not totally in my own skin."

Niles narrowed his eyes and could tell, like himself, she had the ‘hint’ of a British accent she was fighting to hide. "You might want to lower your voice just a little more, good lady."

"Like this?" She smiled, and Niles nodded slowly.

"It’s perfect." The Rabbit let out a soft laugh. "I feel like we have been all pulled into a fairy tale."

"It’s a rather strange fairy tale." Niles looked down at his gloved hands. He was aware of his bare chest and started to blush once more. He noticed the women eyes looking him over. "I…I…"

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, Stag." The Rabbit let out a soft laugh, winking towards the smiling Dove. "Don’t worry, we aren’t going to bite."

"What happens next?" Niles tilted his head back towards the quiet servants. "Hello?"

"They aren’t going to say a word… not in this room." The Rabbit let out a sigh. "Can you hear it?" She made a signal for them to quiet down.

Niles could hear the music of a party going on somewhere near. "Sounds like music." Niles let out a groan, his fork barely touching the steak that had been place before him.

"Are you afraid?" The Rabbit’s smile turned into a frown.

"No, dear lady…. I am just wondering what is going on here!" He pushed the plate aside, closing his eyes.

"Perhaps they need their toilets scrubbed, dust buster?" C.C. Babcock’s husky laugh rang out in his ears.

"Stag, Rabbit, and Dove!" A man came from the tunnel, signaling them. "It is time for the hunt to start." He offered his hand towards the smiling Rabbit. "I wish you luck… You blessed three!"

‘If I’m so blessed, why am I thinking about C.C. Babcock?’ Niles let out a grumble, walking behind the two women. Well, what ever happens tonight would certainly change his life.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. let out a long sigh, taking a sip from the drink. She had offers to dance from several different people, but the masks had her spooked. "We all look like fools in search of a circus." C.C. tilted her head towards the man speaking. "William?"

The man was wearing a cowboy outfit and flashed a smile. "C.C., always a pleasure!" He took her hand, kissing it softly. "How did you get sucked into this party?"

"I’m trying to get the old woman to invest, and you?"

"I’m trying to make sure she keeps all her millions tucked away for a rainy day." William Roberts was a vice president of a famous Wall Street bank. C.C. couldn’t remember ‘which’ bank.

"I see, Thomas." C.C. narrowed her eyes towards the theater owner. "Why do all these people come here?"

"You don’t believe in magic do you, Miss Babcock?" William pointed towards the small stage. "Every time she throws one of these things, the gathering grows. Something about once the hunters have their prey… It’s hard to let go."

C.C. rolled her eyes as everyone turned towards the stage. The sound of a hunting horn could be heard.

"Welcome friends!" Janet smiled as the spotlight was turned on her. "This party is special because the moon is out in its full glory this weekend." The crowd started to whistle as C.C. took another gulp of her wine.

"Bring out the prey!" Thomas let out a drunken laugh.

"We want to see the pretty little Dove and Rabbit this time out!" Adams let out a large cat call, and C.C. rolled her eyes towards William.

"They will soon pull out the three honored guests, and if they choose you… Something is supposed to happen." William shrugged his shoulders as C.C. let out a sad sigh.

"Magic is something I only feel when looking at my trust fund." C.C. put down the empty glass as the honored guests were brought out. She turned around as men started cat calling for the White Rabbit, the White Dove, and now the room turned quiet as the soft sounds of women’s voices could be heard.

"The Stag is a noble and strong creature that even gods hunt!" Janet called out as Niles stepped off the stage. "I give him to you ladies, but can you guess who is behind the mask?"

C.C. felt her heart race looking at his broad shoulders. "Are you alright, Miss Babcock?" William let out a soft laugh as C.C. did her best to wake up from the day dream.

"I’m… fine?" She tilted her head as the pair of blue eyes found her coming towards her as the music played on.

"May I have this dance?" the man bowed before her gracefully. He felt his heart race, taking her hands and guiding her out towards the open dance floor.

"I’m… C.C." She found her teeth chattering as she felt his body hold her tight. Something about his eyes was strangely familiar.

Niles felt his heart pounding. He was holding his deadly foe in his arms. The feel of her gloved hands on his chest made his heart race even more. "An honor." He forced his voice to go deeper. He had the strange urge to make an insult but had to fight it off.

"What does a person have to do in order to be Janet’s ‘special’ guest?" C.C. leaned in close, whispering in his ear.

Niles let out a soft chuckle, twirling her around. "Believe in magic?"

"So Stag boy, do you believe in magic?" C.C. let out a husky laugh as he dipped her. "Or…?"

"Or?" Niles felt his body heat rise, looking into her blue eyes.

"I forgot my train of thought." She felt her lower lip tremble as the dance ended. He took her hand, carefully kissing the gloved palm.

"It was a pleasure… C.C." He’s eyes twinkled as one of the servants pointed out a few more ladies for him to dance with.

C.C. found herself stumbling back towards the drink table, wondering if she had been struck by some cosmic force. "What the hell is going on here?" She grumbled, reaching for yet another wine glass from a passing servant.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><>

Niles felt his whole body shiver waking back inside his room. He had held C.C. Babcock in his arms! "What’s wrong, White Stag? Didn’t you enjoy the first dance of the weekend?" Janet came out of the shadow. "We have more events planned for this eve."

"I….I…" Niles wasn’t supposed to feel this way. "I can’t do this!"

"Do what?" Janet walked around the room as Niles looked down at his hands. "She has no idea who you are…. So you can do no harm."

"I…you don’t understand what that woman is." Niles stuttered, searching for the right words. "She’s nothing more than a harpy!"

"Well, for a man known for his wit with words, you are at a loss." Janet let out a long sigh, shaking her head. "Fate is a funny thing, and I saw a spark on the dance floor tonight between you two."

"That’s nothing… If she had any idea it is me under this mask." Niles stepped forward, letting out a large hiss. "She would eat both of us alive!"

"I can handle any type of snakes… don’t worry about me." Janet let out a sigh. "Do you love her?"

"What kind of question is that? She’s a cold hearted witch!" Niles looked down at his hands, feeling the ache to hold her once more. "No doubt she’s cast some spell on me tonight."

"No doubt." Janet let out a sigh. "Well, I’ll just pair her off with…"

"No, don’t do that!" Niles felt his heart beat quicken.

"Don’t do what?" Janet couldn’t hide her playful smile. "For a man that thinks of her as a cold hearted witch… You are awfully protective of her."

"Mister Sheffield would be upset if I lost his business partner." Niles felt his lower lip tremble. "I…"

"You care… It’s alright to tell me… Here alone in this room. You want her."

"I want her." Niles let out a groan, rubbing his temples. "Damn you woman and damn these tricks. If C.C. had any idea that…"

"It was you, she would eat you alive… but again, that is the point of this weekend… She has no idea… The barrier of class is tossed aside, and the hunt is on." Janet let out a sigh. "Just remember this… Just because the party ends doesn’t mean the hunt is over."

Niles let out a sigh. "I’m not sure about any of this."

"My guests are waiting and are walking around the grounds… The night is still young, my friend! Go out and find her… I would warn you to hold back as much as you can."

"What do you mean?" Niles made a face.

"I have heard the rumors of your insults, and if you engage in that here… She’ll know it’s you." Janet narrowed her eyes.

Niles had been fighting the urge to make jokes since that first moment on the dance floor. C.C. was out of her natural element, and the short kilt had shown off her long legs. Niles closed his eyes recalling the several jokes that came to mind. "I’ll try."

"If you want to win her heart… remember, just a simple move of the body can tease and yet please a woman." Janet waved her hand, slipping back into the shadows.

Niles let out a grumble, looking into the mirror. He felt strangely protected behind the mask. "Well, if the barriers of class are down just for this one weekend… Then I had better make the most of it." Niles pulled back on his gloves, walking back inside the long hidden passage.

C.C. let out a sigh, looking up into the stars. She would often find herself alone in any social gathering. The night was chilly for once, and she rubbed her shoulders. She turned, feeling someone place a leather cloak around her. "Hello, hello!" She smiled at the White Stag.

He moved slowly around her, looking out over the rail with her. He nodded his response for his greeting.

"Hiding away from all the other hunters?" C.C. snickered as the man flashed a boyish smile.

"No." He stared into those bright blue eyes and wondered if he saw the hint of loneliness behind them.

"You have some real prizes in that ball room talking about the well build, Stag boy." C.C. looked him over once more, and the masked man couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

They both heard the soft music floating outside, and Niles held out his hand towards her. "Dance?"

C.C. let out a sigh, nodding, allowing him to lead her around once more. She felt her body shiver once more, but this time, it wasn’t from the night air.

Niles closed his eyes as C.C. snuggled his bare chest closer to her body. He had to admit, he was rather enjoying this. It had been some time since he had held any woman this close, and the fact it was C.C. Babcock made his heart skip a beat.

"It’s strange, but in a strange way, I think I know you." C.C. looked up, seeing something in his eyes. "I feel … "

"Magic?" Niles smirked as C.C. let out a husky laugh.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"I’ve seen that look before." Frank smirked, sitting down beside C.C. for breakfast. "The stag got to you, didn’t he?"

C.C. let out a long sigh, forking at her food. "I am out of my element." C.C. snickered thinking about Ni…. Maxwell. "I don’t have the ‘best’ history when it comes to a relationship."

"No! Really?" Frank let out a soft snicker. "I’m sorry, C.C. That was rude of me."

"No. It’s alright." C.C. let out a long sigh, looking down at her plate. "That comment just reminded me of a butler shaped like a drum." C.C. snickered, hearing Niles’s playful laugh ringing out in her mind.

"You mean Sheffield’s smart ass butler?" Frank let out a soft snicker. "Yeah… I have had run-ins with him before."

"Here I am lusting after a man… and I don’t know who he is." C.C. shook her head.

"Well, that’s the point, Miss Babcock!" William sat down next to her, taking a plate. "We are all here to lust after Miss Janet’s secret guests." William held up a single white feather. "Look what I got from the Dove last night!"

"You are awfully pleased with yourself, William, for a man who lost his girlfriend only a month ago." Frank shook his head.

"At least I didn’t let royalty pass me by." William waved the white feather around, teasing Frank with it.

"Men…" C.C. softly muttered, closing her eyes once more. She could feel his hands around her small waist again, dancing in the moon light. What did he call the moon? A ‘hunter’s moon’. C.C. let out a long sigh, her eyes remembering his bright blue eyes.

"Now, now, Caca… you start lusting over other men you’ll never win Mister Sheffield." C.C. rubbed her temples, standing up once more. She could never get ‘rid’ of that voice even when she was away from him.

"Something wrong, my dear?" Frank touched her shoulder. "They are going to have an afternoon game today."

"I think this time, I’ll skip it."

She saw the guests gathering as the hunting horn blew once more. She couldn’t face the large crowd today and snuck off into her room, curling up on the bed. Minutes turned into an hour as C.C. kept her eyes closed, trying to rid herself of the throbbing headache but jumped at the feel of a cold cloth on her forehead. "What?"

She sat up in ‘his’ arms and shivered. "I’m sorry." He smiled, touching her cheek. "I was worried."

His stag costume hadn’t changed much. C.C. could feel his bare chest, and her mind went wild with a strange desire. "I…I…"

"The game is no fun without my foe." He touched her cheek once more, urging her to lie down.

C.C. felt his hands softly touch her legs and pull up the silk cover over her body. She looked into his smiling masked face. "Yes?" He tilted his head, and C.C. could hear the soft sounds of bells coming from the mask.

Niles let out a soft moan as she reached up, touching his chin. Her finger tips traced his lips slowly, and he had to fight the urge to kiss her. *I don’t care what Janet says… She and I are still….* Niles blinked, feeling his own body betray his heart, leaning down.

The kiss was so gentle that C.C. felt a part of her body melt. Then she arched upwards to wrap her arms around his neck deepening the kiss. It reminded her of something… or someone.

Niles pulled away, softly smiling. "Thank you…" He whispered, touching her red lips again softly with his. I will remember that always." Niles felt his mind race back to the first kiss in the ’Sheffield living room.’

"Who are you?" C.C. held on tight, unwilling to let him go yet.

"The prey….or hunter…" Niles winked, finally pulling back.

"Please stay… Just for a while." C.C. let out a soft whimper, fighting the pain of desire and her headache at the same time.

"As you wish…" He pulled the covers over her once more.

……………………………….......................................................

C.C. shifted in while napping and opened up her eyes to face his soft stare. She reached up, touching his face and noticed he had opened the windows to let in the night air. "Why did you stay?"

"Because you asked me to." He reached up, touching her cheek, smiling. His hand teased the edge of her mask. He felt the urge to reach out and touch even more as his hand drifted down her bare neck.

"Careful, stag boy." C.C. purred, moving in closer. She now allowed her hand to roam down his body as she felt him shiver.

"Who is teasing who here, trollop?" Niles let out a chuckle as he pulled her close. He was growing painfully aware of her tight fitting costume and how short it was. He looked down, seeing her shapely legs.

Something about the way he said that. C.C.’s mind raced for just a moment. She couldn’t help herself as his lips soon joined the journey his hands were taking. "Ouch!" She giggled as his antlers started to poke her skin.

"Sorry…" Niles blushed, taking the antlers off his mask. His lips locked with hers, and C.C. rolled over onto her back, carrying him with her. His hand moved up the tight costume, brushing across her breast, and he felt her shiver under him.

This man was a stranger, but something about him… She looked into his eyes as he pushed away her blonde locks. "Please?" She couldn’t hide the begging tone in her voice.

Niles felt drunk with desire, his body starting to shiver under her passionate stare. "We…" Niles didn’t even have a chance to finish his sentence as she pulled him into a heated kiss. She had her legs hooked around his body not allowing him to escape. She could feel his desire each time he pressed against her.

C.C. could no longer control herself. She had no idea who this man was! She let out a moan as his lips traveled around her skin. He had finally found the curve of her breast. His hand now tossed aside her breast plate, and buried his face in her neck enjoying the feel of her bare chest on his.

Niles felt his control snap, holding her tighter as the costumes started to disappear from their bodies. His mask covered his hair, and C.C. did attempt once to pull it off, but he brushed her hands away softly, finding a much better use for them.

It had been ages since she had been held and worshipped like this. C.C. let out a soft whimper, and he stopped only for a moment, his eyes shinning in the moonlight. She was now naked before him, shivering in the moonlight.

"Don’t stop…" Her whisper in his ear gave him the signal he needed to go on. With one thrust of his body, he gave them what they both longed for. The silk sheets fell upon the ground, and it seemed Niles was jealous of them touching her bare body.

C.C.’s mind rocketed to the foolishness of sleeping with this man, but something had a hold of her soul. Her body met his thrusting as he let out another loud groan into the night.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles let out a groan, walking the long passage way back to his room only partly dressed. He still felt like this was some strange dream and any moment someone would tell him that it didn’t happen. "C.C." He mumbled the name in prayer. He once more recalled making love to her over and over again.

"Something wrong?" One of the girls pulled on his arm and blushed noticing his hurried appearance.

"Something… everything." Niles let out a groan, wondering how he could return to the Sheffield home after a night like tonight.

The girl was soon joined by the other two, and all three of them broke out into a playful giggle. "Miss Janet says we should take you to the meeting room for breakfast."

Niles let out a soft grumble, turning around, wanting to go back to ‘her’ bedroom. "Sir!" The smallest of the three girls pulled on his arm. "You have to come with us."

Niles felt his heart race looking down the dark hall way. He let out a roar following his three guides, shaking his head. "Bloody hell…" He wanted to hold her again and to touch her soft white skin.

Moments later, they were back in the hidden meeting room. Niles noticed once more the table was full of all sorts of breakfast treats. He turned his head noticing the Rabbit was also stumbling inside the room. "Are you alright?"

The woman nodded slowly, sitting down in her chair. She turned her head, letting out a soft whimper. "This place has gone to my head. "

"I agree." Niles shook his head thinking about C.C. curled up in his arms.

"How am I am going to get past all that’s happened?" Her eyes looked towards Niles, and he found himself wondering the same thing.

"You aren’t supposed to!" Janet walked in as the Dove came in slowly. "Now, we are all together!" Janet smiled as the Dove sat down slowly.

"What’s happening to us… I mean, have I lost my mind?" The Dove looked down at her plate, letting out a long sigh.

"Now my friends… please… do not despair." Janet flashed a playful smile. "Leave us." She waved her hand towards the waiting servants.

"What’s going on?" Niles looked around as the four of them were now alone.

"Take off your masks." Janet flashed a smile as the three of them stared at her. "It’s alright… you’ll need one another’s help before the hunt is over." She waved her hand as Niles pulled at his mask slowly.

Niles looked at the two women and saw the bright smile coming from the dark headed woman. "Baroness?" Niles blinked, shaking his head in shock. It had been quite some time since his internship at Buckingham palace, but he still remembered her beauty. "Baroness Lansion, you have grown into a beautiful young woman." He smiled, causing her to blush.

"Victoria…" She blushed, her English accent now apparent.

Niles then tilted his head, and the other young woman let out a soft laugh. "Susan… I am a teller at a bank… nothing special here I fear."

"So she says… and yet she has a voice like an angel." Janet smirked, causing Susan to blush. "Children… I have words of wisdom for each of you… Just because the party ends... Doesn’t mean the hunt is over! This was supposed to change your lives, and I think it has..."

Niles closed his eyes picturing her in his arms again. "Frankly… I think the witch put some sort of spell on me." Niles let out a soft sigh. "I can’t go back without….her…"

"The party ends tonight, and in the morning, the clock strikes…." Victoria let out a soft sigh. "If the hunt isn’t over, what will we do after the party?"

"You think they will stop wondering about you?" Janet narrowed her eyes. "That is the magic of mystery… they’ll have to know the answers. Just wait. Things always work out."

"Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to." Niles let out a soft growl.

"Then you must shape things, children." Janet let out a long sigh, shaking her head. "The party is going to end soon, but… it will be up to you three… You will need one another if you hope the myths about this place will go on so it might touch others."

Niles, Susan, and Victoria all let out a soft sigh. "We will need one another?" He eyed the two other women.

"You... will have faith." Janet smiled, now taking a spoonful of bread pudding.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. shifted reaching for her lover, but let out a groan to find the bed empty except for one white rose. C.C. lifted up her head, grabbing the pillow, letting out a soft whimper. "It wasn’t a dream?" She let out a sigh, shaking her head slowly.

"Did you have a good night?" Janet’s voice was full of mischief, walking down out of her hidden passageway.

C.C. let out a groan, reaching for a robe, covering her naked form. "Does anyone knock in this madhouse?" C.C. rolled her eyes.

"It’s my house." Janet let out a soft laugh, shaking her head slowly. "The game ends tomorrow morning."

C.C. felt her heart race thinking about having to give up this day dream. "I don’t want to leave." She let out a soft whisper, picking up her tossed costume parts that had been thrown across the room. C.C. let out a playful whimper, looking at the torn breastplate. She closed her eyes, remembering how demanding his touch was and how she responded.

"Do you know who he is yet?" Janet walked up towards a quiet C.C.

"No…" She felt her voice shake. "He’ll disappear out of my life soon after that." Her mind raced, picturing all the people that had ‘tossed’ her aside.

"The hunt doesn’t end until the prey or hunter figures things out." Janet let out a long sigh. "You can let Maxwell know I’ll invest in the show, but he must make an appearance here with you next time." Janet winked, mumbling under her breath. ‘He’ll show up, but I doubt you’ll ever return once you find your prey.’

C.C. let out a long sigh. "What?" She turned, rolling her eyes, noticing Janet was yet again gone.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles let out a groan, wanting to rip the mask off his face. He touched it carefully, remembering her eyes. The way she moaned out in pleasure. "How can I go back home now?" He let out a long sigh remembering the feel of her legs wrapped around his bare waist. "It has to be a spell…"

"You need to get ready!" The girls let out a giggle, pushing him towards the bathroom. "The final dance is starting tonight!"

Niles stripped down and shook his head, feeling the mask. It was now apart of his skin… something in his nature was now joined with the ‘White Stag’. "Mister Sheffield is never going to believe any of this." He let out a long sigh as the hot water hit his back. He listened to the girls laughing outside waiting for him in the bedroom and shook his head.

"Are you ready, sir?" The three bushed as Niles was once more in a new costume. "Can we help you with your hair again?"

Niles let out a groan, sitting down in the chair as they started to hide his blonde hair again under more decorations. "I’m losing my mind here." He let out a sigh, shaking his head. "Am I going to see her alone before all this is over with?"

"Is she the one who has captured your heart?" One of them smiled as Niles quietly nodded his response.

"Then you should be happy!"

"Just get me a moment or two alone with her please." Niles let out a grumble.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"You look like hell, Babcock!" Frank touched her arm as C.C. let out a grumble. "You must have had my night?"

C.C. snickered, shaking her head slowly. "I want to know who the stag is! I need to know who the stag is!" C.C. let out a sigh as lunch was served in an odd room. "Hello, William!"

"Is this the place where we come to be picked up for our foolish choices?" William sat down, shaking his head. "I should have never have come here."

"You and me both." Frank mumbled as he took his seat.

"I want to know the truth… I can’t go on without knowing who he is." C.C. could hear Niles snickering in her ear if he ever found out about her ‘new’ lover. "I’m C.C. Babcock, dammit, and I have the right to know about him."

"Do you, now?" Janet let out a quiet snicker, entering the room. "Miss Babcock, the reason for a ‘secret’ guest is to keep them, well… secret." Janet let out a snicker and sat down. The rest of them let out a quiet groan.

"Why are we here?" William looked over towards their smiling host.

"The game is nearly over, and my animals have told me you are the closest hunters…. Do you know who they are yet?" Janet narrowed her eyes towards each of their blank faces.

"No…" C.C. let out a sigh. She could bend anyone to her will, but she felt off balance every time she thought about the masked man. She had tried putting several different faces on him. Maxwell would never agree to anything like this. Then their was her former ‘dates’… each and every one of them seemed too ‘uptight’ for this type of game.

"Well now, before they come in for the last meal… I will give you one final clue… They are people you won’t expect." Janet lifted up the small silver bell, ringing it once as her servants guided in the Stag, Rabbit, and Dove.

Niles lowered himself next to her, flashing a soft smile. "My lady." He lifted up her hand, kissing it softly. "I missed you." He leaned over whispering in her ear and noticed her body started to shiver.

"Who are you?" She let out a soft growl, touching his masked face. "If… We…" Her voice filled with renewed fear. "Will I ever know?"

Niles felt his heart starting to pound in his chest. "I hope so, little owl." Niles let out a sigh.

C.C. felt again off balanced. "Why did you call me that?"

"Call you little owl?" Niles let out a soft laugh. "Owls have great beauty, are expert hunters, but sometimes they lack the sight of the ‘bigger‘ picture."

"What am I lacking?" C.C. touched his chin as he picked up a strawberry, placing it between her ruby red lips.

"Some owls can’t see well when it’s daylight, but … when no one is watching… they can see well into the darkness of one’s soul."

"Are you saying your soul is a little dark?" C.C. smirked as he offered her another bite of the strawberry.

"My soul is dark… and light." Niles was finding it hard to control his accent and heard Janet’s soft coughing.

C.C. narrowed her eyes for a moment she thought she heard something in his voice. "Dark and light?" C.C. tilted her head and let out a soft sigh, seeing Janet cough yet again.

Niles nodded slowly, watching her mind starting to work. She tilted her head watching him. "Penny for your thoughts, good lady?"

"I’m trying to decide if I’m going crazy." C.C. wasn’t sure but could have sworn she heard ‘Niles’ voice.

Niles felt his face grow hot under her stare. "My lady?" He fought to keep his panic under control.

‘Niles would never keep his mouth shut for this long. This man has made no witch comments, no hooker comments… nothing.’ C.C. reached up, touching his face once more. "I’m alright."

"Are you sure?"

"I’m sure." She then reached up, letting out a soft whimper. "I don’t want to lose this feeling."

"Giving up on your prey so easily?"

"I’m being realistic." C.C. let out a groan now, turning away toward her plate of food. "What is going to happen beyond all this?"

"Janet says…"

"I know what Janet says." C.C. let out a groan. "Just because the party ends…. Doesn’t mean the hunt is over." C.C. let out a grumble, and he reached for her hand once more.

Niles stood up, bowing towards a smiling Janet. He pulled C.C. onto her feet, and she let out a small gasp. "If you pardon me, good lady… we are going to make the most of the eve."

"Please do, my white stag." Janet winked as the pair walked out into the hidden hallway.

Niles let out a groan, his eyes growing accustomed to the dark lighting. "Where are we going?" C.C. felt rather annoyed he had jerked her out of there but wondered what his game was.

Niles stopped in front of a small hidden doorway and opened it up. "Here." Niles felt his heart starting to race as the smell of roses filled the air. They were inside a rather large green house and looking up, C.C. could see the night stars and the rather large full moon glowing in the distance.

She felt her mouth twist in shock as he flashed a small smile. "Beautiful…" She reached up to touch a rose but felt the sting of its thorns.

"A rose is a rare, beautiful thing." He reached her side, pulling out a white piece of cloth to treat her wound. "You have to handle them with care." He reached up, picking the rose.

"You think you can handle me, Stag boy?" C.C. let out a playful snicker, but then it transformed into a soft moan, feeling him use the rose’s pedals to tease her cheek.

"I have spent years learning how." Niles muttered under his breath, his eyes spell bound by her beauty. "You always had my heart locked away."

C.C. reached out for him, tasting his lips and feeling the heat coming off his bare chest. She wanted to feel his arms around her… She wanted to feel the raw passion of his ….. His… love? yet again.

Niles pulled back, looking into her eyes. "I’ll miss this…"

"You don’t have to miss anything." C.C. let out a low husky laugh as they both started to dance. They could hear the faint music from inside the grand hall floating inside the green house. "You could tell me…" C.C. felt her heart pounding as his hands started to roam her back.

"I could, but then what is the fun in that?" Niles felt his lower lip tremble with fear and longing. He wanted to tell her, but then what? "The hunt isn’t over yet."

"I’m going to make you pay for causing my dreams to be so…. haunted." C.C. reached over, pinching his rear playfully. "How long do I have to wait for you?"

"Depends. Have you guessed who I am?" Niles smirked, and he watched her lower lip tremble with doubt. "Then the hunt is still on."

"Aren’t you going to at least give me some ‘clue?’" C.C. felt her insides shiver as his hands started to tease her thighs. "Please?"

Niles felt the urge to scream it to the world who he was but pulled her into a deep kiss. His mind started to go blank as C.C. clawed his bare chest, leaving red marks. He could feel her body weaken under his kissing assault. "I’ll burn my memory into your whole body… so you won’t forget this night…" Niles let out a growl as C.C. giggled playfully. He knew no one would find this place for at least another six hours and started to pull her down onto the solid earth.

C.C. felt wild, hidden behind the mask. Her body shifted as she started to pull off his clothing. The whole event seemed surreal with the smell of roses and the bright full moon over head.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. let out a soft groan as her hands wrapped around the silk sheets. He had carried her inside to her bedroom. She reached out, touching the de-thorned white rose. She looked towards the window, seeing the sunlight spilling through. "No…" She mumbled, realizing today was the end.

C.C. turned to see her clothes placed on a hanger inside her door. C.C. let out a whimper, looking around. "I’m C.C. Babcock, and no one messes with me." She let out a soft hiss, quickly dressing. She let out a groan pulling on the boots.

Janet was ready for her, sitting in her office while other guests waved their goodbyes. "Hello, Miss Babcock… Please take a seat." Janet put on her best smile and shut the door.

"I want to know if my mental health is just some sort of sick game to you." C.C. waved her hand once and rolled her eyes. "Never mind! Where is he?"

"The party is over, Miss Babcock…. I’ll tell you if you could tell me who he is?" Janet let out a long sigh, noticing C.C.’s head shaking slowly. "You can’t tell me, then we have nothing more to say… Tell Maxwell the check is in the mail." Janet smirked, sitting down. Janet pushed the grumbling C.C. out of her office.

C.C. shook her head slowly and heard a soft male whimper. "Frank?"

"She pushed me out, too… William was just here a few moments ago." Fran shook his head, and C.C. turned around.

"Let’s get William and find them." C.C. shook her head. "They are still around here somewhere."

Niles let out a grumble. He was almost looking forward to getting rid of the mask. "Until you leave the grounds… You must keep it on." A servant kept him from removing it.

"Why?" Niles felt annoyed as the two women entered the room.

"They saw us!" Susan shifted her dove mask around. "We have to get moving now!"

Niles let out a groan, looking towards the hidden doorway. "Come on!" He pushed them into it, waving off the other servants. "Just stay here and give us a few moments, will you?"

"Sir, we are told not to interfere." The girl let out a groan.

"Bloody hell." Niles let out a groan before running after the two women. "Let’s get going. No one is going to aid in our escape."

"I think this is what Janet meant by once the party is over… the hunt is still on." Victoria let out a sharp intake of breath as Niles hurried them down the long pathway.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. let out a groan, coming out of the long passage way up into the daylight. "This woman has more hidden holes than …"

"Quiet!" C.C. felt her heart pounding and turned to face three waiting horses. "Seems like Janet set up this chase." C.C. snickered but then broke out into a soft laugh.

"They aren’t far ahead. Let’s get a move on." Frank hopped over the fence, reaching for one of the already saddled horses. C.C. allowed the two men to help her over the fence and let out a groan trying settle her upset horse down.

C.C. was an expert at handling horses. Course, every Babcock was an expert from the time they could walk. She led the other two men from the small pen following the horse tracks.

Niles grumbled as the three of them stopped. "Just past that brush, and we will make the limo." He turned, noticing Susan’s discomfort. "Miss Susan, are you alright?"

Susan shifted letting out a small groan. "I’ve never ridden before today."

Niles moved his horse up next to hers, pulling the smaller woman behind him. "Hold on then."

"Is that wise?" Victoria looked over towards the butler.

"It might buy us some time. Go on, your ladyship." Niles flashed a small smile, and Victoria nodded. Niles knelt over, hitting the riderless horse’s rear once and started up again feeling Susan hold onto this waist.

"Three set of tracks that go three different ways." William stopped for a moment, and C.C. let out a soft groan.

"Split up…!" C.C. let out a groan, shifting in the saddle. She narrowed her eyes looking off into the distance. She could tell that one horse was carrying more weight than the others. She guessed it had to be the ‘White Stag’.

Niles could sense someone on his trail. The horse moved onward at top speed into the brush and past it. He could feel a strange ache on his right leg. "We ... Have to keep going." He turned around, seeing the brushes he ruined.

"I see it!" Susan shifted but let out a gasp. "Niles, your leg."

Niles glanced down to see the gash he had in his right leg. "Wonderful..." Niles mumbled, getting off the horse but falling to the ground. "Miss Susan, you’ll have to help me." He reached for her, and she quickly called out towards the limo.

Victoria ran out, letting out a gasp. "Niles, your antler is broken!" She then tilted her head and gasped again.

"Help me!" Susan groaned as both women managed to get him inside.

C.C. stopped, watching the limo pull away. She felt her heart sink and the cool wind blow in her face. She knelt to find the broken antler from the stag mask left on the ground. "They’re gone." William rode up next to her, letting out a huge sigh.

"Yes." C.C. felt her heart grow cold but only for a moment. "The hunt isn’t over yet."

Frank let out a long sigh but stopped to pick up a branch and eyed the pathway Niles had created. "Well, I think one of them is hurt."

"How do you know that?" William walked up towards the man, his voice full of worry.

C.C. shook her head. "I’m going home." She made a mental note call her private eye about her White Stag.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles felt the pain in his leg, walking slowly inside the door on his crutches. Niles noticed the late hour and let out a groan. He would have to be up and downstairs making breakfast in less than four hours. "O my god! Niles, what happened?" Fran Fine, of course, had her normal late night outfit on. She was carrying around some ice cream.

"It’s nothing, Miss Fine." Niles let out a groan, waddling towards the kitchen table.

"That must have been some party you helped out with this weekend. Mista Sheffield is going to have a fit."

Niles let out a groan, and Fran noted his long white overcoat. "Where did you get this?" She touched it gently.

"It was a gift." Niles blushed and checked to make sure the mask was safe in his pocket. "It’s really nothing to be worried about, Miss Fine. It’s only eight stitches."

Fran let out a groan, shaking her head. "Well, did you make a lot of extra cash then?"

"I made more than that." Niles groaned, letting out a long sigh.

"What was that, Niles?" Fran blinked as Niles shook his head.

"Never mind. What happened to your date this weekend?" Niles let out a soft grumble, already knowing the answer.

"It’s nothing more than a dream, Mista Sheffield and me. Paris was nothing more than… than…"

"Magic?" Niles let out a grumble, thinking of C.C.’s soft lips kissing him.

"Magic is something I no longer believe in." Fran let out a soft grumble, and Niles reached inside his jacket. "It’s just smoke and mirrors."

"Or very real." Niles grumbled, looking up at the ceiling.

"What’s wrong with you? Besides the leg, you seemed shaken."

"It’s nothing a few well placed miracles couldn’t fix, Miss Fine." Niles stood up gathering is crutches.

"You want me to call in for breakfast tomorrow?" Fran watched him walk slowly up the stairs.

"Thank you, Miss Fine." Niles let out a grumble, shaking his head.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. kept turning it in her mind over and over again. He’s broad shoulders and the blue eyes. She held tight the broken piece of the antler. "Where are you? Are you hurt?" C.C. let out a long sigh trying to close her eyes. She had a business meeting in the morning and was going to be a wreck having stayed up this late. C.C. put the broken antler aside and curled up in her blanket, pretending it was his strong arms holding her tight.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Niles, you look bloody awful this morning." Maxwell walked in the dinning area grumbling. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I’m fine sir." Niles smirked, handing over the plate and placing it in front of him slowly.

"What’s with the limp?" Maxwell lowered his eyes, noticing Niles was favoring one leg.

"I ran into Miss Fine getting home from her date last night." Niles snickered, watching his employer’s face turn into a crest fallen young boy.

"You did?"

Niles snickered as Fran walked in the room humming quietly. "If he says anything just play along." He leaned over, whispering in Fran’s ear.

"I heard you ran into Niles last night, and that’s why he’s limping." Maxwell let out a playful snicker, eyeing Fran. "You should be careful where you stick your high heels."

"Hello, hello…" Niles closed his eyes, hearing her enter the room. He wanted to rush towards her but had to control his desire.

Niles turned around to see her pale face, and his heart beat started to quicken. "Miss Babcock, would you like something?" He did his best to walk on his injured leg but let out a soft groan.

"Is something wrong, Niles?" C.C. blinked, noticing a small limp. ‘It couldn’t be him? Could it?" She studied his blue eyes for just a moment.

"Nothing. Was it five o’clock somewhere or did someone leave a rock on your coffin last night?" Niles placed the food in front of her and limped back to his place beside Maxwell.

‘No, but… maybe?’ C.C. felt her eyes drift trying to picture him in the stag costume. "How did you earn that limp, Bell boy?"

"Seems like he ran into Miss Fine early this morning." Maxwell let out a groan, shaking his head.

C.C. tilted her head and noticed something. ‘Wait didn’t the stag call me… Trollop?’ C.C. looked down into her plate. Niles had given her a clean plate.

"Who is teasing who here, trollop?" The Stag let out a chuckle as he pulled her close to his body.

C.C. shivered at the memory, looking back up at the smirking Niles. "What’s wrong, Caca? Did you forget to take your pills this morning?" Niles picked up the plates as the children, Miss Fine and Mister Sheffield all left the table.

C.C. started to pick up the rest of the plates for him, following him inside the kitchen and watched his limp. She felt her heart beat strengthen as he turned around, looking into her eyes. "Niles… How did you really hurt your leg?" Her lower lip started to tremble slowly.

Niles felt his heart race, looking into her eyes. He shook his head, taking the plates from her hand. "I fell. Nothing more."

"You were always less than a man!" C.C. attempted to do her normal teasing but saw something in his eyes. She stood there for a moment in shock. "Come on man, there is a rhythm to these things!"

"Don’t you have a street corner to stand on!" Niles finally let out a loud hiss. He was angry with himself for giving into the fantasy that he was worthy of her.

"Aren’t the hooker jokes getting old? Come on Niles, how did you hurt it?"

"Tripping over your broom." Niles turned, walking back into the dinning room. "Don’t you have other people to bug? You know, actors to scream at?"

C.C. walked away slowly like she had just been slapped. She quickly pulled out her cell phone. "Hello? Martin?"

"What can I do for you, Miss Babcock?" Martin let out a groan, going to grab a new file from his cabinet.

"I need you to find out were a Niles Butler was at this past weekend." C.C. pulled out the antler looking at it.

"Will do! Should I bill Maxwell like always?"

"No… bill me." C.C. let out a sigh, hanging up the phone and walking out the door.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles waddled towards the ringing telephone, letting out a groan. "Hello?" He leaned down, reaching for his leg.

"Niles? How are you?" Victoria’s voice was full of worry.

"Nothing is wounded but my pride." Niles let out a groan. "What can I do for you, your ladyship?" Niles shook his head, closing his eyes.

"Now, stop that, Niles… How many times do I have to tell you, it’s Victoria." The young woman let out a soft laugh. "Would you like to have dinner with Susan and me tonight?"

"Why?" Niles groaned, lifting up his head.

"We need to talk, and besides… I’m sending over something for the Sheffields to eat tonight… I’m not taking no for an answer!"

"Bloody hell…" Niles muttered softly. "Your lady ship, this isn’t proper."

"Niles… You need to lighten up! You’re my friend, and together, we have shared a rather odd experience."

"Odd doesn’t cover it." Niles grumbled. "I… I’ll be there."

"Good! I’ll have James pick you up." Victoria’s voice was full of cheer.

"No.. please don’t do that…"

"Why not?"

"Mister Sheffield might start asking questions if a limo was to pick me up in front of the house." Niles shook his head thinking about C.C. "Have him pick me up down the street."

"Very well, Niles." Victoria hung up the phone, letting out a soft sigh.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. let out a grumble, eyeing the director. "Idiot!" She hissed, walking back towards the back. She froze for only a moment, hearing her cell phone ring in her pocket. "What?" C.C. felt her whole body shiver.

"Hey, it’s Martin!" The man let out a soft laugh. "I got some information for you. A man fitting Niles Butler’s description checked into the E.R. at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital."

C.C. stood still for just a moment her heart beat started to quicken. "What was wrong with him?"

"Nothing much… It only took eight stitches to patch up his leg." Martin let out a soft laugh. "He had two women with him as well."

C.C. let out a groan closing her eyes, her mind recalling the Rabbit and Dove. "What did they look like?"

"I can get their pictures if you’re interested."

C.C. mumbled quietly thinking about Frank and William’s faces. They wanted to know the truth as much as she did. "Do it, and once you have it… Find me."

"That will cost ya extra, Miss Babcock." Martin let out a grumble, standing up from his desk chair.

"Listen... I don’t care what I have to pay… Just DO IT!" C.C. felt her annoyance with Niles grow. ‘Was this another trick?’ C.C. reached for her pocket, feeling the broken antler, letting out a soft sigh. She could feel the man’s strong arms on her and the way he had made love to her. ‘If it WAS Niles… then it was no trick.’ He had refused to engage her this morning in their verbal warfare. His face had a wounded look when she tried.

"Miss Babcock?" A quiet stagehand came forward, handing her a few folders.

C.C. would have snarled at the boy, but something inside her soul was melting away. "Here… tell that fool it had better be done." She handed the folders back after signing a few papers inside.

"Thank you!" The young man broke out in a smile once he realized that C.C. wasn’t going to scream, and he quickly ran off towards the grumbling director.

C.C. opened her cell phone once more, dialing Frank’s number. "Hello! Hello!"

"Babcock, you sound almost chipper today!" Frank let out a slow groan. "What ever you’re having, can you send some over?"

"Do you have any idea who your little Rabbit was?" C.C. sat down, her voice softened some. She realized this man was in the same hell as she.

"I had one guess, but she would never do something like that." Frank shook his head and sat down in one of the seats at the theater.

"Don’t be so sure." C.C. closed her eyes, trying to picture Niles wearing the Stag costume. They both had the same body and height. "So is your hunt still on?"

"I have been sending out scouts trying to figure out my mystery all afternoon, and you, Babcock?"

"I might have something." C.C. let out a groan. If the two women with Niles knew Frank and William… the Niles was her Stag. "Are you free later today?"

"I’ll make time… Should we give William a call?"

"I’ll do that..." C.C. let out a slow hiss. "Stay on your toes, Frank… this should get interesting."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles let out a groan, getting inside the limo. He had forced them to pick him up a block away from the Sheffield home. He knew C.C. would be coming around for dinner any moment. Niles was shocked when Maxwell agreed to let him have the rest of the eve off. Niles, of course, had to spill information about Fran’s newest date.

"Susan!" Niles smiled, looking at the blushing young woman in the limo with him. "How are you doing, miss?"

"Is everyone from England this formal?" Susan let out a soft laugh and reached to help Niles inside. "They could have picked you up closer to the house, Niles." She put on her best pouting face.

"I didn’t want any questions." Niles grumbled, rubbing his wounded leg.

"Yeah, and you waddling down one street block isn’t going to help matters much." Susan shook her head and let out a sigh. "What are we going to do, Niles?"

"Finding it hard to return to ‘normal’ life, Miss Susan? I mean Susan!" Niles grumbled as Susan let out a forced laugh.

"Aren’t you?" She narrowed her eyes, and Niles let out a groan.

"Miss Babcock tried to engage me in our verbal warfare this morning, and I couldn’t do it."

"Why not? You told us at the hospital that her wit is one of the things that you find sexy." Susan smirked, watching Niles’s face turn bright red. "What’s wrong?"

"We normally say some rather hurtful things." Niles lowered his eyes, and Susan let out a laugh.

"You told us some of it, Niles, and it sounds like she rather enjoys the name calling." Susan reached for his chin, lifting it up. "Are you sure she doesn’t run after Maxwell Sheffield just to annoy you?"

Niles narrowed his eyes thinking about the times C.C. would run after Maxwell. It was odd, but he would always be in the room during her attempts to flirt. "I’m not sure."

"Well… Let’s get to Vicky’s and see what idea she’s come up with." Susan sat back in her seat smiling.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Victoria owned a house outside of the city. Niles felt his face twist in pain looking at the rather large house. "How much do you pay your butler that has to clean all those empty rooms each day?" Niles hissed as Victoria let out a soft laugh.

"What’s eating him?" Victoria eyed a grumbling Susan. "What’s wrong with you?"

"We all woke up to a bad case of reality this morning, your ladyship." Susan let out a soft playful laugh. "I think this weekend was wasted on the two of us." She smiled over towards a grumbling Niles.

Victoria let out a sigh, rolling her eyes at the pair. "James, would you come down here a moment?" She called up stairs, and an elder butler walked towards Victoria.

"Yes, Baroness?" He bowed once, and Victoria let out a soft groan.

"I want you tell them what you told me today." She narrowed her eyes as her butler let out a groan.

"Miss, I don’t think…"

"Tell them." Victoria tapped her foot as the man blushed.

"Magic is a rare gift, and for once in your lives, you have seen what you could have… if you’re ready to look beyond class and wealth." The man bowed towards Victoria and quickly left to attend his duties.

Niles let out a sigh, looking down at his leg and back up towards his friends. "Can the prey become the hunters?"

"What do ya mean?" Susan sat up with a huge smile on her face.

"Sooner or later… C.C. will find out it was me under that mask." Niles let out a groan, recalling C.C.’s looks towards him this morning. "I… I want her, and … well…"

"Are the English always this uptight?" Susan pushed on his shoulder, letting out a soft laugh. "You love her and have been in love with her for years… Just like I have been in love with William for years."

"Then let’s make a pact… You help me corner Frank, and I’ll help each of you in turn." Victoria let out a soft cheer. "Please… the prey should always stick together. "

"No… not the prey… Hunters." Niles let out a soft sigh and broke out into a smile. "I can get Miss Fine to cover for me… When do you want to start, Victoria?"

The woman blushed as Niles grinned. "Would tonight be too soon?"

"Tonight!" Susan jumped up, letting out a laugh. "Well, it’s all for one and one for all." She held out her hand looking at the others. "Come on. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen that movie before?"

"It’s kinda corny, if you ask me." Niles smirked, watching the woman groan. "Alright then… all for one." He placed his hand on top of Susan’s, letting out a soft laugh.

"And one for all." Victoria shook her head, placing her hand on Niles’s. "Now come with me… No doubt they are all gathering together right now."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. let out an annoyed yawn, looking at the menu. She had waited several hours for Martin’s phone call. Once Martin had called her to set up a meeting… she of course called the other ’hunters’. "Come on Babcock, you had some reason for gathering us all here!" Frank narrowed his eyes as C.C. let out a soft laugh.

"We are here waiting for my private eye to show up." C.C. leaned back in her chair, looking from William back towards Frank. "He has some pictures you two might be interested in."

"Of who?" The men both asked at once, and then it dawned on them.

"Then you know who your stag is?" Frank smirked, narrowing his eyes. "Well Babcock, tell us!"

"Who the Stag is … is my business not yours." C.C. felt her cheeks grow flush with desire. She had pictured Niles as the stag several times. "I just thought it would be kind if I shared the good news."

"How is... he coming by these pictures?" William tilted his head, putting down his menu. "Spill, C.C.!"

"Someone was hurt riding in the brushes… The stag, and checked into a local E.R…. two women were with him." C.C. couldn’t hide her smile a second longer as the men both sat up a little straighter in their chairs. She tilted her head, noticing Frank’s gasping look. "What’s wrong?" C.C. turned in her chair, noticing the woman at the side walk dressed in white… wearing the rabbit mask.

William stood up quickly as C.C. pulled him back down. "Frank?"

C.C. let out a groan, watching the two men run after the masked woman. "Men..." She rolled her eyes, putting down enough money to cover the tab.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"What’s going on here!?" A policeman pulled both C.C. and William aside, stopping them in running after Frank. "I want you to…"

"Listen… we have … we…." William threw up his hands letting out a groan. "She’s getting away."

C.C. narrowed her eyes as William kept on talking to the cops. She managed to walk towards the back alley. She turned her head and let out a soft sigh. "That’s it I’m losing my mind." She muttered softly, starting to walk back towards the street.

He reached out for her then with his strong hands around her waist and turned her around in his arms. He had worn his broken mask. "You have something that belongs to me, woman."

C.C. felt her soul tremble in his arms. He brushed her lips against hers and felt the raw passion from their first night. Her arms wrapped around his neck. "You’ll have to take it then…" She mumbled softly her hands trying to unbutton his white overcoat.

"No...no…" He mumbled in her ear. "No unwrapping the prize yet, little owl." He let out a husky laugh, looking into her deep blue eyes.

C.C. felt her throat constrict. She wanted to yell out his name but something in his playful stare made her feel like the question had to wait for now. "Please…" she managed to say, reaching out for his coat once more.

"Who would have guessed the ice queen needs me." Niles felt his heart pound. He wanted to stay here forever, but he was needed else where. "Don’t worry… you’ll see me again soon… tonight." He whispered in her ear, knowing that last comment would have her weak.

C.C. felt her knees give way as he faded into the back ground. She felt all her strength drain away. "Niles?" She managed to say right after the masked man left her side. "Dammit…" She grumbled, standing back on her unsure legs.

Niles let out a soft laugh to himself. He now had to admit there was a strange power behind this hunt as he dived inside the building. "Are they here yet?" He let out a gasp of air, looking towards Susan’s smiling face.

Susan pointed towards the main room of the warehouse, and they both walked forward to see a gasping Frank. "We better get the doors." Susan tilted her head, walking towards a door and shutting it tight. Niles went to his door way, letting out a big happy sigh. "How did it go?" Susan tilted her head, whispering softly towards a blushing Niles. "That good?"

"I’m crazy when she’s around, but I’ll go crazy without her." Niles lifted up his finger, signaling for quiet.

Frank tilted his head back, looking at the smiling woman. "What…. You were?" He blinked once more as he tried to figure what was going on. "You’re… here…" His lower lip trembled, walking up towards the woman in the rabbit mask. "You’ll have to explain to me how you can be in two places at once."

Susan let out a sigh, now putting on her dove mask. "You got everything handled now, Niles?"

Niles nodded once as Susan let out a soft giggle. "Go, Miss Susan, and find your hunter." He sighed, releasing her from the locked building. Niles turned, his head looking back at the couple in each other’s arms. They had everything him and C.C. didn’t. They were of the same class and closer to one another’s age. Niles shook his head, looking down into his hands. "I’m fooling myself." He watched as Victoria pulled off her mask, and the man let out a joyful cry.

"I knew it was you!" Frank called out, holding her in his strong arms.

"Are you sure you knew?" Victoria teased, touching his chin.

Niles reached out, pulling a string and glitter fell down from the ceiling, giving the effect of fairy dust flying around. He watched and started to blush as the kisses between Frank and Victoria grew more passionate. Niles realized now that his help was no longer needed here, and it was time to check on Susan’s progress.

C.C. stumbled forward, finding William. "Have you found any of them yet?" They were in the middle of some sort of block party. C.C. narrowed her eyes past the giggling children.

"No… I know this place." William looked around the neighborhood frowning.

"Who lead you here?" C.C. jumped as a small child came before her laughing. "What do you want you little…!"

"C.C…." A voice low and tender seemed to scold her from afar, and C.C. turned around… but he was gone yet again.

"Did you hear that?" C.C. jumped as William left her side, looking on the stage.

Niles smiled as the band started playing; he recalled Susan earlier today at Victoria’s house. She seemed to grow timid at the thought of relieving herself to the man she so badly wanted.

"The only time I feel brave…" Susan let out a soft sigh eyeing her friends. "Is on stage, and there is no way… I can face William." She folded her arms, eyeing Niles and Victoria.

William tilted his head as the woman with the dove mask took off the white leather overcoat. The band started to play an up beat song, and his heart took flight watching her dance and sing. "It’s her…" His heart grew heavy, and C.C. rolled her eyes.

Susan felt her courage grow with every note of the song… Her voice broke out, singing with all her heart.

"Eagle's calling
And he's calling your name
Tides are turning
Bringing winds of change
Why do I feel this way
The promise of a new day"

The band all watched her dancing around the stage and raised their voices to join her in the song.

"The promise
The promise of a new day
As thru time
The earth moves
Under my feet
One step closer
To make love complete
What has the final say
The promise of a new day"

Susan twirled around and tossed her dove mask into the gathering crowd. William blinked, looking into her smiling face. She quit her teller job today, handing her letter of resignation in without even looking him in the eye. She had been the one he had joked around with, but company policy had kept them apart. "Susan?" He let out a happy laugh, watching her dance, and now understanding why she couldn’t go on working with him.

"And so time over time
What will change the world
No one knows
So the only promise
Is a day to live, to give
And share with one another
See the wisdom from mistakes in our past
Hear the younger generation ask
Why do I feel this way
The promise of a new day"

The band took over as Susan walked down into the neighborhood crowd smiling.

And so time over time
What will change the world
No one knows
So the only promise
Is a day to live, to give
And share with one another

The band kept playing, but William reached out for her, taking Susan into his arms. "Is this what you couldn’t tell me before?" he touched her cheek with such tenderness.

Niles let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. He walked back down into an alley, avoiding everyone that was running towards the neighborhood party.

"What do you want, Niles? How are you going to corner C.C. Babcock?" Victoria let out a laugh, eyeing Niles.

Niles pulled off the mask, letting out a long sigh. He waved his hand towards a waiting cab. "Driver… take me to…"

"Your fare’s been paid for sir… and I’ve been given an address." The cabbie flashed a playful smile, and Niles let out a soft groan.

"Victoria again, no doubt." He grumbled, shifting in the seat, settling down. He blinked, turning around and noticing the driver made a rather ‘odd’ turn. "Where are you taking me?" He grumbled, eyeing the cabbie.

"The lady gave me two hundred dollars to pick up the man with the antler mask. She said for me to tell you if he chickens out, he’ll be shot like a real stag." The man’s English was broken, but Niles got the message.

"Was this woman… blonde?" Niles felt his heart beat quicken.

"Yeah! A real high class lady, too."

"Oy… this can’t be good." Niles now remembered where they were heading… towards her apartment. Niles jumped out of the taxi, letting out a big groan, looking up at the high rise building C.C. called home. "It’s now or never."

Niles knocked on her door softly and quickly put back on the mask. He gasped, opening the door, looking into her blue eyes. "..I…I…" She wearing a white silk night gown and smiled looking into his eyes.

"You better be impressed, Bell boy." C.C. reached up, pulling off his mask.

Niles blushed, looking away from her for just a moment. "You knew it was me?" His arms surrounded her waist for just a moment. Niles thought he had died and gone to heaven. "What gave me away… surely not your spell you placed me under."

C.C. let out a soft snicker but then a moan as his hands traveled up and down her back. "We better get inside, dust buster, or my neighbors are going to get one hell of a show."

Niles closed the door and twirled her around, pushing her up against it. "So?"

"I think … I liked you better as the Stag. At least then you shut up." C.C. pushed her lips into his as her hands entangled in his hair.

Niles pulled away once more, looking into her eyes. "You better tell me, Babs… What gave me away?"

"Only one man can call me a trollop and get away with it…" C.C. let out a playful hiss and pulled him in the direction of her bedroom.

"Wait… what are we going to tell everyone?" Niles blushed as C.C. rolled her eyes.

"For tonight… I just called Maxwell and told him I was using your services." C.C. let out a big snicker as Niles’s face blushed. "Now come on, dust buster, and prove to me your still the stag that been haunting my dreams!"

"Anytime, trollop… anytime…" Niles picked her up in his arms, walking towards her bedroom, laughing.

Janet let out a huge laugh as Niles and C.C. walked inside her office. "I wasn’t expecting you! How are you? I’m shocked the news of your romance hasn’t heated up the gossip column yet."

Niles blushed, looking towards a snickering C.C.. "Well, Miss Janet, we came here for your help."

"Did you, now?" Janet let out a sigh, looking at the decorations being placed outside. "Here you go, C.C. I was going to send this over earlier." Janet placed the check in C.C.’s hand.

C.C. looked down at it smiling and then backed up. "It’s about Maxwell."

"Your business partner?" Janet went back to her seat, letting out a long sigh. "I was rather disappointed when he didn’t show up with you last time, C.C."

Niles cleared his throat, looking towards Janet. "Well you see, Miss Janet, he’s been in love with someone for a rather long time."

"Longer than you two?" Janet fluttered her long lashes, watching Niles and C.C. both blush. "Let me guess, Fran Fine?"

"How the devil do you know that?" Niles stood still, looking into the woman’s smiling face.

"I’m well pulled into the servant’s grapevine, Niles." Janet let out a soft sigh. "Let Miss Fine know she’s invited." Janet picked up a silver invitation, placing it in Niles’s hand. "I’m sure you can make sure Maxwell will attend?"

"I’ll make sure even if I have to drop kick him out the door personally." Niles let out a snicker as C.C. broke out into a husky chuckle. "What?" He tilted his head, looking towards her.

"The way you said that, Niles… So forceful… it was almost a turn on." She let out a soft purr whispering in his ear.

"Down, Caca." Niles touched her cheek.

"So have you two been waiting until Maxwell’s life was settled before you come out of the closet?" Janet smirked, shaking her head at the happy couple.

"I thought the hunt might help my friends the way it helped Caca and me."

"Niles…." C.C. hissed, pinching his rear. "Don’t call me that in front of other people!"

"Your pimp rather enjoyed me calling you that last night." Niles purred in her ear, teasing her with a soft nibble.

Janet let out a laugh, shaking her head. "I’ll see what I can do with their hunt, but I make no promises… This house and the hunt have its own kind of magic!"

"It certainly does…" C.C. leaned over, whispering in Janet’s ear.

Janet let out a soft laugh and nodded. "Take all the time in you need, my dear C.C. I think Niles still remembers the way."

Niles blinked as C.C. led them out of Janet’s office. "Where are we going?" He grumbled as C.C. let out a husky laugh.

"The green house, bell boy… Let’s go." C.C. let out a purr as Niles started a loud, husky laugh.

Janet let out a sigh, returning to her desk. "You can come out now, small one." She turned around as the passage way opened. The smiling girl let out a giggle.

"Thank you for hiding me." Grace Sheffield let out a laugh and pulled up a chair. Janet once again reached for the chess board, shaking her head.

"Clever girl… You knew he was going to come here asking about your father and nanny." Janet moved a pawn forward, letting out a soft sigh as Gracie studied her next move.

"Of course!" Grace moved a bishop, letting out a laugh. "Niles cares about people!" She nodded, leaning back waiting for Janet’s next move.

"So… you took the risk of worrying about his happiness first…instead of your father’s?"

"It wasn’t a risk really… I knew exactly what he would do… just like I know that you’re about to move that pawn here." Gracie tilted her head towards Janet’s furthest right pawn.

"Clever girl!" Janet reached up, touching the girl’s cheek.

"What is going to be this next party’s theme?" Grace let out a sigh, watching Janet’s next move.

"A night’s magic." Janet smirked. "You think your siblings can find themselves busy that weekend?"

"Of course!" Grace hopped up, looking at her watch. "Oy! I better run. Fran thinks I’m over at Lauren’s." Grace reached the elder woman, hugging her tight.

"What was that for, child?" Janet blushed, letting out a soft laugh.

"You know… it’s not this house that has magic is it?"

Janet knelt down, looking into Gracie’s eyes. "No it’s not… it’s the fact that people never give up on love." She touched the young girl’s cheek. "Now… tell your siblings, but keep quiet. Another hunt is going to take place soon!"

"What do you think will happen to Niles and C.C.?" Gracie turned around, and Janet shook her head.

"Don’t worry, child! Now that they have one another… no force on earth will pull them apart."

Back to Fan Fiction

Back to The Really Unofficial Nanny Home Page