TITLE: The Greatest Mistake
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
SUMMARY: Daphne's watch went off a little later... AU 4x21 "Daphne Hates Sherry".
A/N: This is a bit more angsty (I hope). I also know many stories have already been written about this episode. Please bear with me and let me know what you think.
"It does oscillate." Niles said. The heat seemed to play a trick on him. Was this a dream? Were Daphne and he really going to... he couldn't even finish the sentence in his head. He blamed it on the unbearable heat. His shirt stuck to his back because of it. But if he was honest then it wasn't just the actual heat; part of it was Daphne. The woman made him feel things he had never felt before. If all of this really wasn't a dream then she was propositioning him. Even if she did it with her back turned to him and still hesitant. Just the possibility that she wanted him the way he wanted her drove Niles crazy.
"What does?" Daphne breathed. She wasn't sure if she knew what she was doing. All she knew was how much she wanted this. Whatever this was. She didn't want to think. She wanted to feel, and she wanted to get rid of this fire inside of her. The fire that was burning her from the inside. Maybe Sherry had been right after all. There was something Daphne wanted to prove to herself.
"The fan." Niles answered. His voice sounded strange even in his own ears.
For a moment they were quiet. Both realized what this could mean if either of them only said the word. One of them only had to make the first move. There were so many things to consider, but neither seemed to think of them. The heat made everything impossible. Except for one thing. It invited them to play with the fire right in front of them.
"Dr. Crane..." Daphne began, finally turning to look at him. She got up from the couch, but then stopped. His eyes were unreadable, she thought. Darker than she'd even seen them. They didn't scare her, but intrigued her. Questions burned into her mind, just like they burned her body. Why now, why him? She didn't get a chance to think about them.
"Please, call me Niles." He sounded breathless, yet firm. They stared at each other. The fainting couch was the last remaining obstacle between them. Daphne knew she couldn't fight it any longer. A dangerous blend of desire, anger towards Mr. Crane and Sherry and an emotion she couldn't quite place spread through her. Quickly, she closed the distance between them. They hesitated for a second, or less, and then Niles almost threw himself at her. Their lips collided painfully. Neither cared. Caught up in the moment, their hands touched wherever they could. Sticky hands touched clinging clothes and it didn't matter.
"We need to get upstairs." Niles breathed against her lips. His eyes were closed; he was afraid to find this was nothing more than a dream. If his eyes stayed close, he was safe. Safe in Daphne's arms. He felt dizzy and he could hardly breathe. Anticipation mingled with the heat in the air. Niles knew he had to stay focused and not faint again. Daphne was pressed against him. Because of him. They needed to get to his bedroom.
"Yes." Daphne whispered back, kissing him again. She grew impatient and the kiss intensified. Her tongue fought her way inside his mouth and Niles was unprepared. Unprepared for everything that was about to happen. He ended the kiss abruptly and taking her hand, he led her upstairs.
Neither talked or wavered in their decision. Quickly, they walked up the stairs. No words were spoken. The sound of the fan died down. Niles felt the heat everywhere. It spread through him as he opened the door to his bedroom. His hands trembled with fear, or anticipation. Suddenly there were no clear distinctions anymore. Niles wanted to ask Daphne if she was sure, suddenly unsecure himself, but she was already inside waiting for him. Her eyes dared him. They lured him inside and Niles could do nothing but follow her into the bedroom.
