Rock Beats Paper

by

IvanaBgood
(IvanaBgood@aol.com)

Early afternoon. The Sheffield mansion. CC and Maxwell were working in the study.

Maxwell: Staring at the paperwork on his desk, his mind on his wife.

CC: Hangs up the phone with a joyful bang. "Maxwell! You will not believe this! Sophia Theron will be at the gala tonight! What a golden opportunity for us." Waits for Maxwell’s reaction.

There wasn’t one.

CC: "Maxwell!"

Maxwell: "Huh? Oh, I’m sorry CC what were you saying?"

CC: Groans. "Maxwell, what’s wrong with you? All day you’ve been like a zombie."

Niles: Entering the office. "And she should know sir. After all Stephen King used IT in many of his books."

CC: Ignoring Niles. "Maxwell, I hope you’re not like this tonight especially with Sophia Theron there."

Maxwell: "Well CC, I was just thinking…."

CC: "Maxwell, don’t tell me…"

Maxwell: "…Fran has been feeling so sick lately, what with being 3 months pregnant and all. And the kids will be out with their friends tonight. I don’t want her to be all alone."

Niles: "I’ll be here sir. I’ll let her give me a manicure, that will pick up her spirits."

Maxwell: Smiles. "I would rather be the one to stay at home with her, but you can help me another way Niles."

Niles: Looking very apprehensive. "And how could I do that sir?"

Maxwell: "By escorting CC to the party tonight."

CC: "Maxwell, you can’t be serious?!"

Niles: "But sir, you know my motto. See no evil, hear no evil, date no evil."

CC: "Listen you toad…"

Maxwell: Interrupts knowing how fast their arguing can escalate. "It’s a very important night Niles. Many important people that CC can probably get to finance our next play. And CC, you cannot attend unescorted. Besides old man, you don’t want to begrudge me a night alone with my wife would you?" He finishes with a wink.

Niles: Sighs. "It’s sick the way you people keep having sex without me. And I polished the keyhole just this morning."

Maxwell: "So, what do you two say?" Rubbing his hands, anticipating the night ahead.

Silence. CC and Niles just glare at each other.

Niles: "But sir, fixing me up with the man-hater from hell. You know she finds me and men in general annoying."

CC: "Not all men are annoying. Some are dead. Which is what will happen to you if you don’t watch it."

Fran: Hearing Niles and CC bantering as she walks in, lovingly gives her husband a hug and looks over at the dueling duo, "Now, now you two play nice."

Niles: Watching the happy couple embracing, sighs once again. "Okay sir, I’m your man. But I’m not yours!" glares at CC.

CC: "Kinky Niles, very kinky," she laughs. "Okay Maxwell, I know when I’m licked." Covers Niles’ mouth with her hand, anticipating his retort to *that* comment.

Maxwell: "To show my gratefulness, you two can have the rest of today and tomorrow off."

Niles and CC smile at Maxwell’s offer and immediately glare at each other again when their eyes make contact.

Niles: Groans. "What time shall I pick you up?" Mumbles, "I’ll probably need a forklift."

CC: Not hearing his mumble, but knew it was another jab at her. "Seven and DON’T be late! And Niles this is a very important night so you better not embarrass me or ELSE!" Frowning at Niles as she strode towards him.

Niles: Walks quickly over to Mr. Sheffield’s computer. "Sir, quick! How do I set a laser printer to stun?!"

Fran and Max laugh. CC curls her fingers in aggravation, wanting to ring the mouthy butler’s neck. Leaves in a huff, slamming the front door behind her.

Fran: "Oh Niles, why don’t you stop torturing Miss Babcock. You know you have feelings for her and this is the perfect opportunity for you two to finally settle your differences."

Niles: "I don’t know what you’re talking about Mrs. Sheffield." Looking away from her.

Fran: "Well…let’s see there was that mind-blowing kiss that Max and I witnessed after I went to meet my pen pal…"

Maxwell: "…and that night when CC was dating that Chandler fellow, Fran went to join her. I do recall you saying that Fran was ‘stepping out with my baby’…."

Fran: "…and how about those ripped pieces of a check all over the floor that Miss Babcock wrote to you for escorting her to her awards show…"

Maxwell: "…and on that first day of Hanukkah, you two were so broken hearted about being separated that you gave CC your handkerchief smelling of Lemon Pledge. She kept sniffing that thing practically the whole trip…."

Fran: "…and…"

Niles: Having heard enough. "Okay. Okay. I’ll think about it! Happy?"

Fran: Smiling. "Ecstatic. Niles you know you’re my best friend. I just want you to be happy. Now face your feelings, it’s time." Gives him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Niles: Walks away, a million thoughts going through his head. Taking out his tuxedo from his closet, he inspects it. But soon he sits down and becomes pensive. Speculating on the risk he may be taking tonight. "Well, what do I have to lose. I’m 53 and single. If she rejects me I can always move out and work for Burger King."

CC: Driving away from the Sheffield’s mansion, she puts in a cd. In spite of it all, CC has to smile as she recalls how she covered Niles’ mouth when he tried to make another snappy comeback. ‘That man has such a rapier wit. One of the things I admire about him, not that I’m going to tell him that.’ Humming softly to the music she finds herself driving towards the beauty salon instead of straight home.

7 p.m. on the dot…..

Niles nervously knocks on CC’s front door. He straightens his tie and breathes on his hand, making sure it still smelled minty fresh.

CC: Opens the door and stares at Niles. It’s been so long since she saw the man in a tuxedo, she forgot how handsome he looked in one. ‘The man has been working out.’ She almost felt like purring, but instead growls, "You’re late!"

Niles: ‘WOW.’ That’s all that kept reverberating through his head, ‘WOW’. His eyes taking in her beautiful blond locks piled enchantingly upon her head, showing off her gorgeous neck. The dress, it was red! CC Babcock in a red dress! She looked great! He gulped. Taking his eyes away from the provocative swaying of her diamond pendant necklace just above her chest, he tries to find his bearings. Finally he scowls at her, "I am right on time. Unlike you I don’t tell time by swinging the tail of a dead cat."

CC: "Well, come on in. Don’t just stand there. My neighbors might think I’m taking in bums right from the street."

Niles: "As opposed to the corner where you usually hang out?"

CC: Turns her head away, hiding a smile. Walks to her bedroom to retrieve her wrap.

Niles: ‘What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I stop insulting that woman? Okay, Niles behave yourself.’

CC: Walks back in carrying her wrap.

Niles: Takes it from her and hands her something he was hiding behind his back.

CC: "Niles?" Surprised at the beautiful corsage that was resting in a plastic container.

Niles: Reaches over to open it and hands it to her. "I just thought you might like one. It’s an orchid. You’re not allergic to them are you?"

CC: Shakes her head, speechless at his thoughtfulness. ‘No one ever gave her an orchid before. It was beautiful.’ Her fingers shake as she tries to pin it on, almost dropping it.

Niles: "May I?"

CC: Nods as she hands the corsage to Niles.

Niles: ‘Okay, old boy, be careful, don’t stick her with the pin.’ He takes a deep breath and steadies his hand as he carefully pins the flower just above her left breast. "Shall we?" Crooks his arm out.

CC: Smiles and puts her arm through his and locks her door on their way out.

Opening the door to the limousine, Niles helps CC step in. The ride to the party was a quiet one. Each of them busy with their own thoughts. Finally they arrive. But after greeting the hosts, they stood around awkwardly. Usually when CC was there with Maxwell, they would both go in different directions, talking to many people and trying to make contacts.

But CC found herself not wanting to leave Niles’ side.

Niles: "Would you like to dance?"

CC: Nods, not trusting herself to speak as she feels Niles’ hand on her waist and the other gently clasping her own.
She felt like she was dancing on air. ‘Can this man do everything perfectly? A great cook, a whiz at housework, a beautiful singing voice, and an amazing dancer.’ CC felt giddy.

Usually he had no problem dancing, but now with CC in his arms, Niles noticed that he had a hard time concentrating. Counting the steps in his head, he prayed that he wouldn’t stumble.

Finally the music ends and Niles escorts CC off the dance floor. Furtively wiping his hands on the side of his trousers, worried that they were sweaty.

Sophia: "Niles? Is that you?"

Niles turns, hearing his name.

An attractive redhead in her early 50’s, looks at him expectedly.

Sophia: "Oh it is you! You naughty man, you never rang me!"

Niles struggles to recall where he saw this woman before.

CC: "Mrs. Theron, CC Babcock, a pleasure to meet you."
Shakes her hand.

Sophia: "Hello Miss Babcock. Where’s Maxwell?"

CC: "Oh, he couldn’t make it tonight, his wife was feeling ill."

Sophia: "Aahh, that’s a shame. I do so wanted to talk to him about taking part in his next play….Niles, you don’t recall me, do you?"

Niles: Embarrassed. "I am sorry. Would you mind helping me remember?"

Sophia: "We shared a cab ride a month ago. We hailed it at the same time, over at Lexington and Fourth Street."

Niles: Recognition finally appearing on his face. ‘Oh, yes the pushy woman who gave him her number, which he promptly *lost*.’ Smiling politely, "Sophia, yes! I do apologize. I don’t know where my head is at."

Sophia: "The only proper way to make it up to me would be a dance." She replies invitingly.

Niles: Eyebrows raised, looks at CC for help.

CC: Biting her lower lip, a confused mix of thoughts running through her head. ‘This is Sophia Theron. She wants to finance our next play. But she also wants to dance with Niles. What do I do?’

Without waiting for an answer, Sophia takes Niles’ hand and leads him to the dance floor.

CC watches despondently.

Sophia proceeds to monopolize Niles the whole night.

Niles was very unhappy. The evening started with such promise and now he’s saddled with this woman. He knew she was very important and out of loyalty to Mr. Sheffield he continues to spend time with her.

Niles gets led to the dance floor once again. Trying to keep his distance, but not succeeding well. Sophia continues to push herself closer to him. ‘Oh this woman! Can’t she take a hint? And what is that odor?’ His nose wrinkles in distaste as her perfume wafts up his nose filling it with its wretched smell. ‘Ugh, she didn’t spray it on, she’s marinating in the stuff.’ He turns his head and looks around for CC.

CC was having her own problems. Elton Richardson kept following her around.

CC: ‘This man is so obnoxious! If only he was as charming and attractive as he likes to think he is.’

Elton: Corners CC. "Now stop playing hard to get. I know you want me."

CC: "Elton, did I mention the kick in the groin you’ll be receiving if you touch me?"

Elton: "Ooo, I like a filly with fire!" Grabs her arms and pulls CC close.

Niles: With a voice hard as stone, "I am going to say this just once. Let Miss Babcock go and I won’t hurt you."

Elton: Turns and looks at the man who would dare threaten him. Letting go of CC he pompously asks, "Do you know who I am? I am Elton Richardson, grandson of the late Dwight Thurgood Richardson."

Niles: "Do you know who I am?"

Elton: Sniffs, "No."

Niles: "I am the man who is going to rip that mustache off your arrogant face and shove it up your pretentious nose."

Elton backs away and quickly leaves the room.

CC: Laughs. "Oh Niles that was too much! I thought any second you were going to say, ‘Okay punk, make my day.’
You sure are full of surprises tonight!"

Niles: "Ready for one more?"

CC: "One more what?"

Niles: Takes her loosely in his arms. "One more surprise."

CC: Nods as she looks into his eyes.

Niles: His gaze momentarily strays from her eyes, trailing down her body, straying over the curves of her firm bosom, to her small waist, and finally down to her legs.

CC found his presence to be even more overwhelming than she remembered.

Niles: Physical arousal stirred in him. He toyed with the seductive fantasy of feeling her thighs pressed against his. In a deep husky voice, "C’mon let’s blow this pop stand." Grabbing CC’s hand, escorting her out of the building.

Niles and CC sit awkwardly close to one another in the limo. He was looking directly at her. She was immersed in the swirling depths of his very blue eyes. A magnetic force field seemed to surround them.

CC felt the chemistry boiling. What was the use in denying it? She had been aware of this attraction from the very first, fighting it, not wanting to admit it, yet undeniably aware of it. She had turned her back on it, smothered it with anger most of the time. Yet it persistently surfaced. What did this man have? Did all women react like this to him? Or was it something especially tuned to her body make up, her DNA?

CC: With a supreme effort, she pulled her gaze away from his. "Thank you for saving me from Elton, Niles. For a second there I thought he was going to try kissing me with those huge fish lips of his."

Niles: Grins, "They were huge weren’t they. His lips are so big, I bet Chapstick has to come out with a spray just to cover them."

They both laugh.

CC realizes that this was the first laugh they shared in a long time. She enjoyed being in on a joke with him rather than being at the end of it. CC  was beginning to feel dangerously reckless. And she couldn’t blame it on the alcohol because surprisingly enough, she refrained from drinking all night. An inner voice of caution warned her that her judgement was being impaired by something else. What that was, she didn’t care. The mood of the evening made her feel like throwing caution to the winds. It started on such a remarkable note. CC pulls her corsage close and enjoys the feel of the soft petals and its fragrance. And it looks like it was going to end pleasantly as well. Niles was the most fascinating man she has ever met in her entire life. When he wasn’t in his sardonic moods, he could be extremely charming, as he was now. Tomorrow they would probably be at each other’s throats again, but for the moment they had become relaxed with each other. Their defenses were down. Niles was treating her like a woman instead of a witch threatening to undermine his very life.

Once again CC’s eyes strayed in the direction of Niles’ face. She could keep her gaze away from his only a few moments at a time. Then, dangerously, like a moth drawn back to a deadly flame, she sank again into the power of his very blue eyes. A weakness stole through her muscles. She was aware of her heartbeat. She felt detached from reality. Was this what it was like to be hypnotized?

Her gaze trickled down the swarthy lines of his face to his throat, left bare by the loosened tie and unbuttoned collar, and then over to his broad shoulders. Her breath became thick in her throat.

With a struggle CC made another bid for sanity. She swallowed hard. "So…umm…Mrs. Theron is going to back our play. Maxwell will be so pleased. Do you know what our play is about?" Not waiting for an answer, she nervously continues to talk, "Ummm…it’s set in the Everglades wilderness. Do you know anything about the deep, chaotic jungles of the Everglades?"

Niles: "It’s wild and desolate and forbidding," he said slowly. "Like a beautiful but dangerous woman, able to destroy a man if he makes the wrong move."

With a feeling of panic, CC realized that Niles’ hand had slipped down from the back of the seat to her bare arm. His fingers sent tingles of electrical sensations through her body as they slowly traced a line along the inner surface of her forearm, from the crook of her elbow to her wrist where a tiny pulse throbbed violently.

CC tried to ask him to stop tracing the contours of her arm. He was driving her crazy. But the words wouldn’t come. Her willpower had grown as weak as the muscles in her arms and legs. The tingling he had awakened was turning into smoldering coals deep within her.

Niles’ fingers had moved tenderly from her arm to her throat, caressing the hollow there. CC could only stare at him in helpless fascination as he moved closer. His gaze drilled into her eyes.

Niles slipped his arms around her, pulling her against him. His body felt strong and hard. Their lips were inches apart.

CC: "Niles…don’t."

Niles: He raised an eyebrow. "You find me repulsive?"

CC: "Hardly," she said weakly.

He continued to hold her. She felt the warmth of his body burning through her dress.

CC: ‘God, this can’t be happening,’ she thought. Her thoughts were spinning off in all directions. It was impossible to think clearly. Her entire body was a raging medly of sensations.

Niles’ mouth came down on hers savagely. Passion ripped through her in a blinding wave. Her arms were around him, her hands flat against the muscles of his back. The taste of his mouth drove her wild. She worked her own lips against his. CC heard her own stifled moan. Her lips parting under the onslaught of his kiss.

They both feel the car slow down and eventually stop in front of CC’s apartment. Pulling themselves apart, they wait as Linus the chauffeur, opens the door to let her out.

Niles: "I’ll walk you to your door, Miss Babcock."

CC: "No, I don’t want you to do that."

Surprise etched on his face, after what they had just been through, Niles was sure that CC would want him too. Face crumbling, he turns dejectedly back to the limo.

CC: Grabbing his elbow, stops him. "I don’t want you to just walk me to my door Niles, I want you to stay."

Niles’ mood turned quickly from despondent to elation in a space of seconds. Crooking his arm out, he proceeds to escort CC inside.

The night was magical. Everything Niles had dreamed of and more. The next day was filled with conversations and laughter as the two shared their thoughts, feelings, and dreams with one another. They exchanged the occasional insults and laughing at each other’s witty comebacks. Reluctantly, Niles headed back home early the next morning, giving CC one last parting kiss.

Later that day at the mansion…

Maxwell: "Darling, can you hurry it up a bit, we’ll be late for the Doctor’s appointment"

Fran: Coming out of the bathroom, looking green. "Oy, I love eating for two, but I sure hate being part of an upchuck tagteam."

Maxwell: Feeling bad for his wife, gives her hand an understanding squeeze. "Come on, let’s get you some saltines, that will settle your stomach."

Brighton: Walking into their room, exclaims, "Hey Dad…Mom! Did I ever tell you how lucky I am that you’re my parents and …"

Max/Fran: "What do you want Brighton?"

Brighton: "A party."

Max: "Brighton, of course we’ll throw you a big celebration to commemorate your 18th birthday."

Brighton: "I don’t want a big celebration Dad, I want a party."

Max: "We’ll have to discuss this later, we have an appointment to keep." Walks Fran carefully down the stairs.

Brighton: Follows them. "But Dad, I need to know now, so I can start calling around."

Max: "We can have it at the Country Club."

Brighton: "The Country Club! That would be whacked Dad!"

Max: Puzzled. "Whacked?"

Fran: "Tell you what B. How about we hold it at The Viper Room. I’m sure Johnny Depp would let us have it for the night. After all your Dad just gave him the role in ‘Edward Scissorhands - the Musical’.

Brighton: Excited at the great idea. "Oh, yeah that would be dope! I have to go and tell my G’s what a tight place my party will be at. Lates!" Waves and closes the door behind him.

Max: "Was THAT English?"

Niles: Arranging the flowers in the foyer, overhears the whole conversation. "Translation sir. Master Brighton said that The Viper Room would be a wonderful place. He left to tell his friends about his upcoming phenomenal party and then voiced his good-byes."

Max: Shakes his head and frowns. "All that money spent at an elite private school and my son talks like a hood."

Fran: "Oh Max, lighten up! It’s just the way kids talk nowadays."

Niles: "Yes sir, don’t get your knickers in a twist. It’s not Master Brighton’s fault you have a PBS mind in an MTV world."

CC: Enters the room from the office. "Max, where are you going? We have a lot of work to do. We still need to decide which supporting actors we want for the play."

Max: "I completely forgot about that. Ummm…well, why don’t you ride with us in the limousine and we can make our final decisions at the hospital."

CC: "A hospital, with all those sick people? No thank you."

Niles: "Yes, sir, bad idea. They might mistake her for the Grim Reaper. She’ll create mass hysteria."

CC: Gives him a hateful stare, but remains silent.

Fran: "C’mon Miss Babcock, we can look at all the adorable babies in the nursery. Don’t you want to have a baby someday?"

Niles: "The only way she’ll hear the pitter patter of little feet is if she puts shoes on Chester."

CC: Glares at Niles and walks back to the office, slamming the door.

Fran: "I guess she doesn’t want to go. C’mon honey. Bye Niles!"

Niles locks the door after them and makes his way to the kitchen, wondering what was wrong with CC. She let two of his zingers go by without zinging him back even once.

CC walks into the kitchen. Ignoring Niles, she takes a banana out of the fruit bowl.

As Niles puts the dishes away, he glances up and watches CC’s mouth tenderly nibble at the banana. The sight quickly getting him all hot and bothered.

CC: Looks at him. Notices him closely watching her lick her lips. "Niles, snap out of it!"

Niles: Walks quickly around the counter to stand in front of CC. Takes the banana away from her and his voice gets husky as he looks deeply at her, "CC…you’re really turning me on."

CC: "First you insult me and then without even a sorry, you want me to go to bed with you?!"

Niles: "We always insult each other. What changed?"

CC: "Everything! Two days ago we went on an impromptu date and one thing led to another, was that all a mistake?"

Niles: "No, of course not!" Stares at her, his eyes going downward at the sight of her blazer opening up, revealing a sexy v-neck blouse underneath.

CC: "Niles! Niles, are these your eyeballs? I found them in my cleavage!"

Niles: "Huh?…sorry. What’s wrong CC?"

CC: "I don’t want to hide our relationship anymore. All day today you act like a firing squad and then when we’re alone, you want to be my Romeo. It’s driving me crazy! AND before you open that big mouth of yours, not one wisecrack about my mental state if you know what’s good for you!"

Niles: Puts his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay…you want to let everyone know about us, that’s fine with me."

CC: "Really? You’re not ashamed to be seen with me?"

Niles: "No, of course not. I thought you would be ashamed of me. I’ll do whatever you want, okay? Now let’s go upstairs, no one’s home." Taking her hand, he quickly leads her to his room.

CC: Stands inside the closed bedroom door. "But what if someone comes home while we’re, you know."

Niles: Sitting on his bed. "Then everything will be out in the open just like you want. CC, come here. You look so good in that outfit, but you’ll look even better out of it."

CC: "Really?" Fishing for a compliment. "You don’t think it makes me look fat?"

Niles: "Woman, you know how gorgeous you are. Now come here!"

CC: Shivers. She loves it when Niles acts forceful and demanding. Walks towards him but stops in the middle, making him meet her half-way.

Niles: Shaking his head, wondering why he had to fall for such a troublesome woman, gets up and takes CC in his arms. Picking her up swiftly and gently depositing her on his bed. His hands clasped hers and brought her fingertips to his lips. Kissing the tips tenderly, looking at her all the while.

CC’s arms then wind their way around his neck. She couldn’t take her eyes off of his. There was a depth of communication between their eyes beyond physical contact.

Unable and unwilling to fight their attraction for one another, Niles and CC show their love for one another again.

Later, Niles lays on his back, trying to catch his breath. His arm around CC, his hand feeling the rapid beat of her heart. After awhile, he bends his head down and kisses her. Luxuriating in the aftermath of their love-making.

CC sighs contentedly. Enjoying the pleasurable glow that happens when a woman knows that she has just shared her body and soul to the man of her dreams.

Niles: Hears the front door slam shut. "Well, looks like we’re back to real life again."

CC: Looking at him suspiciously, "Niles you promised we would bring everything out in the open."

Niles: "We will. But that doesn’t mean I can’t insult you anymore does it?"

CC: Smiles at him. "Of course not! Living the rest of my life without the joy of cutting you down would be horrible!"

Niles: "Hey lady, you want someone to spar with, you found the right man!" He nuzzles her neck and then takes her lips again.

CC: Ending the kiss, she smiles up at him beguilingly, "Oh yeah, prove it."

Niles: Chuckles, "Oh I will, I will, but first I have to make an honest woman out of you."

CC: Looking at him closely, "What do you mean by that?"

Niles: "Well, this quirky relationship of ours has lasted over ten years, right?"

CC: "Right."

Niles: "How about we move it to another level and actually exchange I-do’s. So, what do you say…are you game?"

CC: Smiles mischievously. "It depends."

Niles: Face crinkling, "On what?"

CC: "Let’s play ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’. If you beat me my answer is yes."

Niles: "And if I don’t?"

CC: Smiles, "My answer is yes."

Niles: Chuckling quietly. "Okay, ready? One, two, three, GO!"

CC: "Ha! Rock beats paper! I win!"

Niles: "You mean WE win. Now c’mere you silly woman!" He squeezes CC to him and plants a kiss that becomes deeper and deeper still, until finally, he pulls away, looks searchingly into her eyes, he smiles, "Are you ready to be romanced again?"

CC: "Oh yeahhhh."

Niles: Softly kisses her and then cups her face between his hands, "You know something?" His thumb trailed over her bottom lip. "I think I’m going to like spending forever with you."

CC: "Niles, I can’t believe you actually said something that sweet to me."

Niles: "I plead temporary insanity," he chuckles as he kisses her again.

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