Back to Fan FictionNot to worry, this only expands on a comment made during the first season and I try not to offend anyone. All innocent fun. The idea came from a comment I read on the message board. I may play with the timelines a little, but as always, not my characters, just my imagination, no harm, no foul intended…the real owners are more than welcome to this story! As always I hope you Nanny fans enjoy.
by
Dee Dee
(ddn2cc@yahoo.com)
Fran Fine had been on the job two weeks as nanny to the Sheffield children when she comes down from her bedroom one morning and found Niles in the pantry (only seen in the first season). The butler is feeling a bit ill, but in that British lingo explains to Fran he’s feeling a bit "queer."
"That’s all right Niles. You’d feel better coming out of the closet…literally," says Fran as she takes note of her surroundings thinking to herself, the man’s in his late 40s, single, loves musical theater, and doesn’t talk about anyone special.
To Fran these were all classic signals.
Niles immediately realizes that Nanny Fine doesn’t understand what he means and explains, "I’m feeling ill. That’s all." Nanny Fine just shakes her head and goes out the door leaving Niles to wonder if he had made himself clear on the matter.
Nanny Fine exits thinking…what’s the big deal? It’s not like you can’t tell the man is in turmoil over his identity.
This set the Yenta in Nanny Fine to work thinking how she might help Niles resolve what she believed to be Niles in conflict.
Meanwhile, Niles had returned to his room upstairs and was resting trying to get over the flu he had apparently picked up from one of the children.
His dreams, in a feverish state centered on this great dark monster chasing him and he just couldn’t get away.
It was surrounding him.
There was no escape.
As he turned to face his demon, he found he was looking right into the face of CC Babcock.
With that image Niles was startled awake.
Good news…his fever had broken. He was shaking, but he wasn’t sure if it was from the fever or from his dream.
Niles a short while later was feeling more like himself and decided to go down stairs and catch up on anything he might have missed while sick.
Strange, he thought, no one checked in on him, while he always takes care of everyone when they are sick…then he remembered the conversation with Miss Fine and her concern as well as the fact he told her not to worry about him that he just needed a little rest.
Rest wasn’t exactly what he got with that nightmare he thought.
What was it he felt when he turned to face the demon CC Babcock?
He wasn’t sure.
It was a mix of fear and lo….loathing…no not loathing….he just couldn’t figure it out.
Niles really didn’t give the conversation with Nanny Fine about his feeling ill much more consideration as he was too wrapped up in trying to understand the nightmare with Babcock as the principal character.
Niles also gave some thought to his new mission. After just a few minutes of knowing Miss Fine, Niles had decided to make it his mission in life to bring Nanny Fine and Maxwell Sheffield together.
He had realized they were perfect for each other right after Fran Fine arrived on their doorstep and took Brighton’s fake suicide in stride…. joining in the fun, instead of being afraid of it. He knew she was the one to do what no one else had been able to do…bring job back to the Sheffield home.
Yes Niles thought, it might take sometime, but he would bring the Miss Fine and Maxwell Sheffield together…as for his problems…he thought with only a hint of self-pity…his problems would always come second when it came to the Sheffield household.
A few days later Niles is feeling much better and happens upon Miss Fine having a phone conversation with her mother Sylvia.
"Ma, you remember Cousin Chris? Well I was thinking we might invite Chris over, I think Chris is someone who might bring a little spice to Niles’ life. Look Ma, Chris will be in town for a few days. This is perfect. Ma don’t start hyperventilating. Niles won’t move away and take your favorite cake with him. Think of it as maybe bringing him into the family. Ma? Ma? Are you there? Look Ma, I gotta go. Tell Chris to call me and I’ll finish making all the plans for this event."
Niles only overhears Fran’s part of the conversation and wonders what Chris is like. "If she’s anything like her cousin, this might be fun," he thinks to himself. "If I can’t fall in love with Miss Fine, her cousin just might be the next best thing."
Just then Maxwell Sheffield brings himself out from his office wondering why Nanny Fine hadn’t found time to come into his office and perch herself on the edge of his desk for their daily discussion of what is transpiring with his children.
In just a few weeks he had become accustomed to this habit of hers…although he was not sure why.
At first it had been totally disturbing…or distracting…or was it just exciting….no no no no no don’t go there, Maxwell tells himself. "Miss Fine!"
Fran sees Maxwell and decides she needs to let him know what she has planned for Chris and Niles.
Pulling Maxwell aside, so Niles wouldn’t hear, Fran tells him that she has this cousin Chris she wants Niles to meet and asks him what he thinks.
Maxwell warns her, "you know when you mettle with other people’s lives, sometimes you are the one who gets hurt. You seem to have made a great friend so fast with Niles and believe me he doesn’t take up with just anyone. Look at CC. He has known her 15 years and they can’t put two civil sentences together to say to each other. I would hate to see you ruin it with some matchmaking stunt that goes wrong. Worse, I would hate to have another Niles and CC on my hands only this time it would be Niles and Miss Fine."
Slapping him on his shoulder, Fran Fine responds, "Oh Mr. Sheffield, how could you even think I would do something that I didn’t know in my heart was soooooo right for Niles."
"Niles is like the brother I never had. I just know this will work out for him. I know he needs more in his life than the Sheffield family. Try to be happy for him. This may be his one best chance for happiness."
"There’s more to Niles’ life than the Sheffield family," said Maxwell a little miffed that Miss Fine would suggest that his family dominates Niles’ life.
"It’s your friendship you are risking. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when this all comes crashing down on you," said Maxwell as he exited, taking one quick glance at this woman who seems to have so much love to give and it is all packaged in a wonderful body barely covered by her clothes. Maxwell shook his head trying to get his mind back on business.
Meanwhile Nanny Fine takes a longer glance at Maxwell as he exits. "No one can say his buns don’t rise. Oy."
As Maxwell enters his office, CC Babcock is wondering about the conversation that has taken place between Maxwell and Nanny Fine. She had heard Niles’ name mentioned but that was all she heard, and curiosity was getting the best of her.
"Maxwell?"
"Yes?"
"What were you and Nanny Fine talking about? You seemed to be warning her," said CC.
"I was telling her about the dangers of interfering in people’s lives. One never knows just how such meddling and matchmaking will turn out."
"Matchmaking? What are you talking about," asked CC as her interest was growing.
"Oh Nanny Fine has this cousin Chris who she wants Niles to Meet."
"Whaaaaat?" CC almost shrieked the word, betraying in her tone that she didn’t like the idea.
Maxwell glanced up at her and gave her a look questioning what he was hearing. Could it be CC was jealous…Maxwell shook his head again, he must be wrong, for he knew that his oldest friend, Niles, and his business associate, CC, couldn’t stand to be in the same room together.
"Oh I mean I think that’s just wonderful. Anything that keeps the bell boy occupied gives me a break," said CC as she covered how she really felt.
What she was really thinking is: What is this Chris like, and if she’s anything like Nanny Fine, can I stand two of them? Niles is mine, and nobody messes with what belongs to CC Babcock!
………………………………………….
Niles meanwhile is only aware that Nanny Fine has a cousin Chris he is to meet.
Strangely enough, Niles is a little uneasy about the matchmaking Fran is up to.
He couldn’t explain it, but he seldom dates, not because he can’t get a date, but he simply has no desire to date…. it seems the only woman who occupies his mind….with the exception of Nanny Fine, who is off limits because she will be Maxwell’s woman some day….is CC Babcock. Niles had a look of horror on his face as he realized this and just what his feelings for that woman might be.
"Why do I think about Babcock and compare every other woman to her. This really is madness. She is such a b…..witch. She thinks she is soooo much better than everyone," Niles tells himself as he gives more thought to meeting Fran Fine’s cousin.
Finally Fran approaches Niles on the subject…and Niles decides to make it as impossible as possible when she starts the conversation. It’s the kind of word game he loves.
"Niles you know I have a large family."
"Large? Do you mean as in their clothing size? It is getting harder to keep the Sub Zero stocked. Once your mother arrives I know it’s time for another trip to the market."
"No Niles. I mean I have a lot of relatives."
"Oh…. So?"
"Well my cousin Chris is in town for a visit and I thought you two would hit it off. You have such similar interests. You both have a love of the theater, music, cooking, even that Will guy…you know Shake….Shake…. Shake something."
"You mean Shakespeare?"
"Yeah. That’s the guy. I just think you and Cousin Chris would make a perfect match…I mean couple…I mean good friends."
"Miss Fine. I am flattered that you thought of me, but similar interests don’t always make for the perfect couple…or even good friendships," said Niles. "Look at us. We are nothing alike, yet we are the best of friends."
Nanny realizes that Niles isn’t going to make this easy for her.
"Oh Niles just give it a chance."
Unknown to either of them CC Babcock is listening at the door…she hasn’t mastered the intercom system for eavesdropping.
CC is not happy about what she hears. "What does Nanny Fine think she’s doing?"
Back in the kitchen Nanny Fine and Niles continue to talk.
"Where do you think we should go," asks Niles who has all but been persuaded to escort Chris to dinner.
Meanwhile CC is thinking of ways she can sabotage the evening…. as Maxwell comes up behind her while she is listening at the door. "CC what are you doing?"
"Nothing Maxwell. It seems that Nanny Fine and Niles are having such an earnest conversation. I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt them."
"Since when are you considerate to Niles or Nanny Fine for that matter? It looked more like you were listening in on a private conversation. Maybe you are more like Niles than you are willing to admit."
"Maxwell! How can you say such things? You know I am a very caring person," as she grabs young Gracie who is walking by and practically strangles her with affection.
Maxwell pushes through the kitchen door and makes his way toward his butler. "Don’t you think It is about time for lunch?"
"Oh sir. I was in such a deep conversation with Miss Fine I lost track of the time."
Giving them both a suspicious look, Maxwell tells Niles, "That’s okay. I know what it’s like when Miss Fine is on a mission."
Niles thinks to himself, you just don’t realize the mission…but you will. It might take a few years, but you will eventually see it.
Meanwhile Niles has decided to accept the date with Chris on Friday, three days away.
Fran makes all of the plans, including theater tickets and dinner at the Rainbow Room.
As Friday evening approaches the house has more activity than usual. Niles finds he is nervous.
CC Babcock has been more irritable than usual but has yet to leave the house.
Maxwell makes it a point to be home and the children, having heard from Fran about her plan to bring Chris and Niles together can’t wait to see it all unfold.
Niles and Fran agreed that she would get the door when Chris arrived so the two would start the evening on equal footing…so to speak.
The doorbell rings. Fran opens the door.
In steps Chris….make that Christopher…..
"Cousin Chris. Welcome. I just know you are going to have a wonderful time." Fran is speaking loud enough for everyone to hear.
Chris responds in a beautiful modulated baritone voice and equally dazzling smile. "Thanks for the invitation. I expect a wonderful evening. I know you have planned everything to perfection."
By this point Niles eyes have grown wide. He had expected a female.
It never occurred to him that Nanny Fine’s cousin Chris was a Christopher.
At this point CC is almost rolling on the floor laughing, and Niles recognizes the noise coming from behind him, knowing that she realizes what is going on. Why should what she think bother him.
Maxwell is too shocked to say anything. He, like Niles, thought Chris would be a Christine.
Standing near Niles Maxwell asks him, "Is there something you want to tell me?"
Taking a deep breath, Niles decides not to derail Nanny Fine’s plan.
He knew she had done this in innocence and her heart was in the right place.
Although he still is not sure why she might think he was gay.
At this point CC has stopped laughing and is wondering why Niles isn’t putting an end to this charade.
Then CC starts to think: Is it possible Niles is gay? Could she have wanted this man all these years and not realized he was gay? Is that why Niles never flirted with her…. In a twisted way she always thought his cruelty toward her was his way of flirting.
Now curiosity was taking over and she would be carrying through with her plan to follow the two. She had to know how the evening turned out.
As Niles and Chris exited the house, Niles felt he needed to be honest with Chris. "Chris, I have to tell you I’m not gay…but I still think we can have a fine time as friends tonight. I wouldn’t want to hurt Miss Fines feelings for anything in the world."
Chris started laughing.
"What’s so funny, asked Niles. Am I not up to your standards?"
"It’s not that. When Frannie described you to me, I told her I didn’t think you and I played on the same team. I think the comment went right over her head because she asked me what "team" I was talking about. Anyway the moment I saw you, I wished you were on my team, but my gay-dar told me to expect only to make a great new friend tonight," Chris explained. "You are a person who is comfortable with his identity and accepting of others. So many aren’t. That means a lot, and especially the fact you didn’t dump me in front of everybody. By the way, what gives with the blonde? At first she seemed to think everything was funny. Then she looked like she could kill me.
Niles responded, " I don’t know about Miss Babcock. She usually reserves that kill look for me."
"Maybe she’s jealous," suggested Chris with a smile.
Niles pondered that idea as he and Chris climbed into the Sheffield limousine for their night of theater and dinner.
Niles felt relieved having explained things to Chris. He knew he would be better able to enjoy the night. The two men took in the play "Much ado About Nothing." Then it was on to drinks and dinner.
They didn’t realize that CC was following, but unable to hear any of their conversation.
From her vantage point what she saw was two men getting along extremely well who seemed to really enjoy each other’s company. Every slap on the back or excited exchange between the two men, she seemed to read something into it.
Her heart was sinking. Would she ever know the touch of her sweet Niles?
What was she thinking? If what she was witnessing were true then she would always simply be Niles’ enemy and he had meant all those hateful barbs tossed her way over the years.
No sense lurking in the shadows any longer. She left the Rainbow Room depressed and headed toward her apartment.
Then CC changed her mind and decided she would instead go back to the Sheffield Mansion and work for a while. CC was sure the household would be up. Everyone would want details of the "date." Everyone also included CC, although she had a pretty good idea of what was coming next, or so she thought.
…………………..
It was almost like a receiving line as the two men arrived back at the Sheffield home.
Fran led the delegation standing to greet them as they walked through the door. Chris had his arm around Niles’ shoulder. To the Sheffield household they looked like a couple, but it could just as easily have been two old friends talking. It was all in the perspective and people were reading into what they wanted…or expected.
CC’s face fell seeing the two obviously so comfortable with each other.
Maxwell stood back waiting on details before jumping to a conclusion. At this point Maxwell decided it might be good to send the children to bed…it was, after all, after midnight on a Friday…an official date in Nanny Fine’s rulebook.
Seeing the two men smile so engaging at each other, Nanny Fine clasp her hands together saying, "I knew you two would make a great couple."
Both Chris and Niles looked at each other and without a word said, they knew it was time to explain the situation to Fran…. and apparently everyone else.
Niles this time took note of how sad CC seemed and wondered what was wrong…then he wondered why he cared. Then he thought maybe Chris was right and she was jealous. For a brief moment he considered continuing with the ruse just to have some fun with Babcock, but then that wouldn’t be fair to Chris or the others for that matter.
Chris took the lead and stepped down to his cousin giving her a hug.
"Frannie. It’s not what you think. Niles and I are just going to be great friends. How should I say this? I was right when I told you I didn’t think we played for the same team."
"Team. What? Ooooooooh. I understand. But are you sure?" Fran asked suddenly sad for her new best friend, Niles.
At this point Niles stepped in. "I can assure you we are both sure of ourselves. However we are also sure that we have the makings of a great friendship Miss Fine and I want to thank you for that."
With those words Fran smiled. She would have to settle for that and maybe focus on fixing Niles up with one of her female friends…maybe Val…no….that’s no good she thought. Then ultimately in a split second decided not to interfere in Niles’ life until the time was right.
Now, through all this, Niles noticed CC was beaming and wondered but was unsure what those signals were about. S
he had gone from the saddest face in the room to the happiest. Why did she care, Niles asked himself?
Niles went to the kitchen and prepared coffee and some snacks for everybody and then he and Chris gave the group a rundown of the evening and it was evident they both had enjoyed the play and meal as friends can do.
The night was growing very late.
Chris had left and thanked Niles with a handshake for the great evening. Niles responded by giving him a brief hug and pat on the back.
Later Niles was sitting in the kitchen talking to Fran and finally broached the topic he really wanted to discuss with her.
"What made you think I was gay," Niles asked?
"Well you are still single at age forty-something, you love music, and theater and Shakespeare…you know that thing with men in tights going on. I just sorta assumed that you might lean that way. I just wanted to help. Don’t think of me as a bad person. You are the one who said you were feeling queer," Fran said in her defense. "I only had good intentions."
Niles smiled, "It is understandable but people really shouldn’t try to determine someone’s lifestyle based on just a few facts about their life. More and more people these days are staying single longer."
"Gay or straight, I appreciate your concern. But I will tell you there is a woman for me…. the woman just hasn’t realized it…. or maybe she has. I don’t know. Everything is very confusing right now."
CC stood at the door listening again. This time she wondered who Niles was talking about and decided she would make that her next mission to find out just who this other woman is and what steps she would need to rid her from Niles’ life. If only she could just show Niles how she felt about him.
Nanny fine also was wondering just who the woman was Niles was talking about.
Knowing Nanny Fine she wouldn’t give up until she found out just who the love of Niles’ life was. Meanwhile, she wouldn’t meddle again…at least in Niles’ life, unless asked….or at least until she finds out who the woman is that Niles seems to be in love with.
It was late, and Miss Fine said good night and went to her room. Niles stayed in the kitchen a little longer and then made one last check of the house.
As Niles was cutting out the lights and heading toward bed, he noticed a light from Mr. Sheffield’s office. Wondering what was going on, he quietly knocked on the door and was surprised to hear Miss Babcock’s voice tell him to come in.
As he entered she was standing by the door.
CC grabbed him by the lapels and pulled him to her. "What’s this you were saying about another woman?"
Niles gasped. "What are you talking…." Before he could finish the question, her mouth was on his and her body was against his, and there was no mistake that he was responding to her.
As she felt his initial response as his arms came around her, he knew that CC Babcock was definitely the only one for him.
As the passion began to grow between the two, CC backed away, grabbed her coat, turned and said, "We will finish this…but not tonight." Then she dashed out the door.
Niles just stood there trying to take in all the events of the night and after pouring himself a drink, he made his way to his room wondering just what CC was planning and what did she mean, "We will finish this."
And why the hell did she run out leaving him in a very aroused state?
Niles would definitely mark this night as one of the more memorable in his life.
The End
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