Thanksgiving, 1998
Temporarily distracted by Roz talking about her new job, Niles slumped against the arm of the sofa, reminded of the hell he'd been going through ever since he decided to divorce Maris.
In the kitchen, Daphne was busy preparing the Thanksgiving meal, but he got the feeling that she was a bit distracted.
Perhaps it was the conversation she'd had earlier on the phone with her mother. The woman seemed to enjoy making Daphne uncomfortable.
As he watched the goddess whom he'd loved from afar for longer than he could remember, he couldn't help but sigh.
If only...
She walked toward them and set a tray of snacks down on the coffee table.
"Thank you, Daphne." Frasier said. As she turned to leave he stopped her.
"Oh, Daphne! My bath salts man has just delivered a new shipment of my proprietary blend. Would you mind running me a bath tonight?"
Appalled, Niles glared at his brother. How dare he treat Daphne as though she were some sort of slave goddess!
Run him a bath indeed! Why what would ever possess him to suggest such a...
At the thought, Niles shivered.
Just as he was about to close his eyes and imagine such a scenario happening to him, Daphne smiled.
"Of course I will, Dr. Crane. What would you do without me?"
Niles stared at his goddess, unable to take his eyes off of her. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen in his life.
If she only knew how badly he needed her.
He should be happy that they were friends. After all, most men who loved women from afar never even had the pleasure of speaking with the object of their affections. He'd heard it from patients time and time again.
But he simply couldn't rid himself of the sadness.
His marriage was over, despite his genuine efforts to find something to hold onto. He was living in the worst apartment complex in Seattle; the Shangri-La and his finances were slowly disappearing.
Not to mention that he was bound to spend many winter nights alone and cold.
Cold because his heat had been turned off. And alone because...
Well... he didn't want to think about that.
When their gazes met, Niles sighed and looked sadly into her warm brown eyes.
"A little more wine, Dr Crane?"
"Thank you, Daphne." He said weakly.
With a smile she poured him another drink.
"I know things have been tough lately, but they'll turn around for you. Just watch."
And to his surprise, she brushed her hand against his cheek, causing a wave of dizziness to come over him.
His hand went to his cheek where she'd so lovingly caressed it and the sweet words she'd spoken echoed in his mind.
"She's an angel!"
"Yes." Frasier said with no enthusiasm at all.
Once more, Niles glared at his brother. Clearly, Frasier didn't hold Daphne in the same high regard.
And suddenly he knew what he had to do.