The past,present and future
Prologue:
Niles' Point of View:
He couldn't quite believe that he had let himself be persuaded to join a cruise. As much as he loved the luxury a cruise promised,it had never been his idea of relaxation to be trapped on a big liner for a certain amount of time. So when Frasier had invited him to tag along,his immediate response had been a soft but firm "No,thank you".But he should've known that this wouldn't stop his brother. Day after day he had insisted that Niles would come along, even reminding him of the fact that Daphne his love interest would be there,too. However, this was no good to him because Daphne was happily engaged to Donny and somehow the prospect of being in a confined space with the woman of his dreams and her boyfriend didn't exactly make him jump up and down with joy. Ultimately it had been his father who had persuaded him.
Flashback:
Niles had been wandering the streets of Seattle for quite some time before he ended up at his brother's doorstep. He lifted his hand and softly knocked but it wasn't his brother who answered the door."Oh hi Niles!Come in!",Donny Douglas said beaming at him and clapping his shoulder,"Daphne and I are just on our way out,we've got dinner reservations" and then he added in a slightly raised voice "Which we're gonna miss if you don't hurry up!!" "Alright,alright.",Daphne exclaimed emerging from her bedroom and quickly making her way towards Donny."Evening Dr Crane!" "Good evening Daphne.",he replied politely."Mr Crane your son is here!",she shouted and with a final smile she turned around and left the apartment."Oh hey Niles.",Martin said leaving the kitchen,"I'm afraid if you're looking for Frasier he isn't here,he had an extra meeting at KACL...you know before the cruise and all that." "Oh yes,I forgot.",he whispered and sat down on the sofa,"I just came here for some company." Martin took his usual seat and eyed his son seriously. "Look Niles,you know I'm not good with all this...emotional stuff but I can tell you're lonely.I can tell without being a big shot psychiatrist...so it must be very obvious." "And possibly also because I just said it myself...",Niles added dryly. "No!I also know...because well,I know...I know what it feels like being lonely...having no woman in your life,not wanting to trouble your friends with the boring details of your empty life...but listen Niles,you gotta snap out of it! You gotta get out there,date...meet people. Your brother has been trying to tell you that as well...that's why he wants you to come along to that cruise,you know?" "I know dad...it's just that...I'm scared that I will feel even more lonely...you know being surrounded by all these happy people." "Ok...but Frasier is single,I'm single. What do you say if I'd come along,too...so it'd be us 3 singles and Daphne and Donny. Sounds like fun...doesn't it?" "Ok dad...I'll come along.", he sighed resignedly.