Chapter Text
After a week of intense planning and numerous conversations between Fran and CC, everything they had arranged was ready. They decided to execute the plan on a Monday, starting with Niles visiting Fran early in the morning. Fran made sure to instruct Niles to use the front door, claiming ongoing kitchen renovations which made the back door inaccessible.
Finally, the anticipated Monday arrived. CC pretended to sleep in, claiming that visiting the Sheffields at nine in the morning was too early. Now that she was not working, she saw no need to go across town so early.
Niles was happy to let her rest, knowing he would be home before lunch. He hailed a cab and traveled to his former home. It still felt strange to come here as a visitor, but he couldn't deny that he felt more at peace now. He walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. Although he had a key, the Sheffields had never asked for it back. However, it didn't feel right to use it.
The door was opened by the Sheffields' new butler, Charles, who resembled the old Niles more than a formal butler. It seemed the Sheffields had learned their lesson when they replaced Niles before.
"Hello Charles, I’m here to see Fran." Niles said, while starting to walk inside.
But Charles refused to move aside. "I apologize, sir, but Mrs. Sheffield is not here. She asked me to give you this and requested that you open it immediately." Charles handed Niles a small wrapped package, with a letter tucked into the string that held it together. Charles closed the door.
Niles felt confused as to why he wasn’t even invited in, and sat down on the little bench in the porch area. The package was unremarkable, wrapped in brown paper and tied with a red and white string. The letter bore his name written elegantly in black ink. He took out the letter and unfolded it. It was written by CC in her distinctive handwriting.
My dearest Niles,
These past months with you have brought me happiness like I have never known. You have shown me a love like no other, and I love you so much in return. You accept me for who I am, without expecting me to change, only to grow. I cannot imagine my life without you. Today, I hope to show you just how much I love you.
Love,
CC
Niles smiled, cherishing the endearment of being called 'her dearest Niles.' The letter was incredibly sweet, and he would treasure it forever. He untied the string and opened the package, revealing a book-shaped box with the words 'Book of Love' on the cover. Opening the box, he found a small card inside. He placed the letter in the box and read the card, which said, 'many late nights you came to my rescue here.' After thinking a moment, Niles knew exactly where he needed to go.
Leaving the wrapping paper and string on the bench, he took a short walk to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel around the corner. On many occasions, he had been called by the barman to pick up CC after she had a long night of drinking.
It had happened early on in their relationship when she had come in one morning clearly hungover. She had casually mentioned that she had struggled to get home, and Niles was horrified at the thought of her being so intoxicated and alone. He had made up his mind then and there that he would find out where she went, ensuring her safety. He had tried to follow her when she left the house but was often hindered by requests from Maxwell or Sara.
After several attempts, he discovered that she would go to Bemelmans. Niles was relieved to see that it was a more upscale establishment than the ones he usually frequented, although it was still far from her apartment. One afternoon, he had a conversation with the barman. Eventually, they struck a deal. If CC was there and too intoxicated for her own safety (and Niles told them to set the bar to which they judged this low), they promised to call Niles. He would come to pick her up and bring freshly baked treats the next day. Throughout the years, he had picked her up countless times, always ensuring she made it home safely. He would assist her to bed, make sure she drank plenty of water, and leave some Advil within reach.
He wasn't sure if she was aware of he did that for him. They had never discussed it, not back then, and not even now when they openly talked about their past. It just never came up. But now he knew she had known what he had done. He entered Bemelmans, a place he hadn't visited in months, and was greeted by the barman who was wiping the bar.
"Hiya Niles, long time no see."
"Hello Jack, you're right. I think Miss Babcock's days of drinking alone are over," he smiled.
"I was asked to give this to you." Jack handed Niles another small package.
"Thank you." Niles accepted the package and found a seat at one of the tables.
He opened the package and set the card aside for a moment. Inside, he found a set of the famous Bemelmans red cocktail napkins. It brought back bittersweet memories for them. He disliked that she felt the need to go out and get drunk alone, but he was glad he had been there to help her, even if they never acknowledged it.
Taking the card, he read his next clue: 'when I was hungry and you were lazy.' Niles smiled. He placed the napkins in the box, handed Jack the wrapping paper and string, and left the bar.
Since the weather was pleasant, and CC knew he wouldn't be home before lunch, he decided to walk to Peng's. It was the place he would order takeout for both of them on evenings when she had to work late and the Sheffields were out. He knew she loved noodles and dumplings, so he always made sure she had a satisfying meal on those nights.
At Peng's, he received another package. He sat down on the chairs outside the neighboring barber shop and opened the package. Inside, he found a set of chopsticks engraved with the name of Peng's Noodle Folk, along with another card. The card read: 'the last one to get wed, but at least you didn't go alone to where we saw them blessed.' Niles placed the chopsticks in the box and hailed a cab.
He instructed the cabbie to take him to All Saints Episcopal Church on 60th Street, where his last single friend Elisabeth had gotten married. Attending the wedding alone had made him feel down, another reminder of his single status. He was surprised when CC offered to accompany him, and even more surprised by how enjoyable the evening had been. Of course, the next day things returned to their usual routine. He had struggled with that for a few weeks, he had to admit. But that wedding, that evening, had been special.
The taxi arrived at the church, and Niles entered. A custodian silently handed him another package. He sat down on one of the back pews and opened the package. Inside, there was a white silk rose, reminiscent of Elisabeth's wedding bouquet. The card read: 'you saved me from humiliation when I had to accept the honor alone.' He smiled and exited the church.
Hailing another cab, he headed to the Waldorf Astoria, the venue for the award show he had taken CC to after Chandler had dumped her for being too suffocating. He chuckled at Chandler's loss. They had shared a wonderful evening, which continued at home with some dancing. He didn't want her to think he did it for money, so he tore up the check. He still kept the fragments in a memory box at home.
At the Waldorf, he approached the reception desk to inquire if they knew where he had to go, and they handed him another wrapped box. The receptionist also informed him that lunch was ready for him at the restaurant. He walked to the restaurant and was escorted to a table. Soon, he was served a club sandwich and some tea. He hadn't even realized how hungry he was until he sat down. After finishing his sandwich, he unwrapped the package. He couldn't help but laugh, quickly covering his mouth as annoyed glances came his way. The gift was a small award on a pedestal, with a handwritten label that said: 'for my savior.' He smiled. It was about time he let her know how many times she had saved him too.
The accompanying card read: 'to escape, we needed wheels.' A thrill ran through him as he realized he was getting closer to their present time. He hailed another cab and went to the rental agency where they had picked up the car for their trip to the cabin upstate. At the desk, he received another parcel. Sitting in the waiting area, he opened the package to find a metal keyring with a car-shaped charm.
His next clue read: 'it takes a lot of effort to make cheap food.' He was certain she was referring to cooking the Tikka Masala for him, but he was unsure where she wanted him to go. Should he visit the local shop where she purchased all the ingredients? Or perhaps return home to the kitchen where she prepared the meal? Or maybe even James' apartment, where she learned how to cook it for him? Since James' place was closer, he decided to go there first.
Upon arrival, James greeted him warmly, delighted to see him. It had been a while, so James invited Niles in for a cup of tea, which Niles gladly accepted. As they sat at the dining table, they discussed everything that had been going on in their lives since their last meeting. When Niles mentioned the scavenger hunt he was on, James suddenly remembered.
"Oh, I completely forgot," he exclaimed, grabbing a package that looked familiar and handing it to Niles.
Niles opened the package, finding a small jar of Tikka Masala spice mix inside. The label was handwritten by CC. The accompanying card read: 'after all these years, we have come home.'
"You have found a good one, Niles," James said. "I must admit, when she approached me at first, I had my reservations. I thought I knew the type of woman she was. You know, high class, sophisticated. Sometimes those women like to have a fling with the help for a bit of excitement on the side. But she loves you. That afternoon, she put in so much effort to ensure she made you the perfect meal. I could tell it was challenging for her to learn, but she did it anyway, all for you."
Niles smiled. "I know. I am the luckiest man alive." He placed the spices and the card into his box, which was becoming quite full by now. "Listen, James, I have to continue to my next destination. But we would love to have you over for dinner someday. I'll be in touch, alright?"
"It would be my pleasure," James replied, opening the door for Niles to leave.
Niles couldn't help but rush back home. He had a feeling CC would be waiting for him, and he couldn't wait to see her and express how much he had enjoyed all the gifts and memories in the scavenger hunt she had prepared for him. It had become late, and the darkness was setting in. Feeling hungry, he pondered what he could cook for her as a token of gratitude.
Upon reaching home, he noticed that the apartment was dimly lit, and he felt disappointed to find CC gone. Had he misunderstood the clue? Should he have gone to her old apartment building? Or to the Sheffields? However, he soon realized that the apartment wasn't completely dark. Candlelight flickered from the living room and dining area. Hurriedly removing his coat and shoes, he put them away and took his box, making his way into the apartment.
CC stood by the table, having gotten up when she heard the door. She hoped he wasn't upset about the wild goose chase she had sent him on across town. While he was away, she had received updates from Val, who had shadowed Niles to ensure he received the packages at the right locations. If he had taken a wrong turn, she would have met him and provided an additional hint, although it hadn't been necessary. After receiving a text from James that Niles had left his apartment, CC had gotten dinner ready.
She had ordered their favorite dishes from the restaurant, along with recommended wine pairings. She had also enlisted their help to plate the dishes. Candles were placed throughout the apartment, casting a romantic ambiance. Now, it was time to see how Niles would react to it all. She couldn't recall feeling more nervous about his response, not since the time she had waited outside his bedroom door.
As Niles entered the room, he saw CC. She wore a black turtleneck and a flowing black skirt, accentuated by a gold belt. She looked stunning. And nervous. He smiled, assuring her, and walked over to her.
"Thank you," he said, kissing her. "Today was incredible. A true journey down memory lane."
She smiled. "I know it was a bit elaborate, but I wanted you to understand how significant you have always been to me. It took me some time to realize it too."
"Same here. If we ever tell our story to someone who doesn't know us, they'll be bewildered by how we didn't realize our feelings earlier."
CC laughed and gestured for him to sit down. He hadn't even glanced at the meal on the table yet, and he was in for another surprise.
They shared a lovely romantic meal, discussing each stop on Niles' scavenger hunt. Niles was particularly interested in how long she had known he had been picking her up at Bemelmans. She revealed that she had known almost from the beginning, as she had confronted the bartender when she realized someone had been taking her home instead of stumbling back alone. She hadn't felt comfortable informing him earlier about how safe it made her feel, knowing he was there for her.
Once they finished dessert and cleared the table, they retired to the couch with their wine.
"There's one final package," she said, handing him a Tiffany blue ring box.
Surprised, he looked up at her, and she eagerly awaited his reaction. He opened the box to find a platinum ring with a diamond. It resembled an engagement ring, but it looked more masculine, like a signet ring.
"Niles, these past months have been the happiest I've ever been. I know our journey began with me rejecting your proposals. Even though I now wear this ring with love and pride, I still haven't fully committed. But I've been fooling myself because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, Niles, let me ask this time. Will you marry me?" CC asked nervously.
Tears welled up in Niles' eyes. He embraced her and replied, "Of course. There's nothing I want more. I love you so much." Pulling away, he allowed her to slip the ring onto his finger, sealing it with a kiss.