Author's Note:This story contains some minor spoilers for "First Date," but you should still be able to read it if you haven't seen the episode yet. I think I give enough backstory to make it make sense. Anyway, usual disclaimer, blah, blah blah. Many thanks to Andrea (iloveromance), whose story helped inspire many of the more "melt-worthy" elements of this story. Please R&R, of course! :)
Niles rang the doorbell at his brother's apartment. He had to admit he was a bit nervous about what he was about to do. But he knew it was a necessary step if he ever wanted things to progress between him and Daphne. A month had passed since his non-date "date" with her, and now he felt it was time to try asking her out again. Only this time, he had a plan which would hopefully keep his nerves from getting the better of him. Just as he was about to take a deep breath, the door was opened.
"Hello, Dr. Crane," Daphne said. "If you came to see your brother, I'm afraid he's already left."
"No. That isn't why I came."
"Oh," Daphne replied. "Well, your father's taking a nap, but I can let him know you're here, if you like."
Niles shook his head. "Actually, Daphne, I was hoping I could talk to you." He tried to ignore the way his heart was suddenly pounding.
"To me?" Daphne asked, blushing a bit. This was certainly unusual. "Well, come in." She stepped back to give him room to enter.
Niles stepped forward. "Thank you. I was hoping I could ask a favor of you. You see, I was hoping to have dinner with a very special woman, and -"
"Are you sure you're ready this time?" Daphne asked, remembering how his date with Phyllis had fallen apart almost before it started.
"Yes, I believe I am," Niles said. "I thought, since you did such a wonderful job the last time, you might come over and help with the meal. But if it's too much trouble-"
Daphne smiled. "I'd be glad to help, Dr. Crane."
"Wonderful. Would Thursday be all right for you? Say, around 7:30?"
"I think that would work," Daphne replied. "What were you planning on serving the lucky woman?"
Niles shrugged. "I've never been any good at that sort of thing. Being married to Maris, I never got much experience cooking for a woman."
"All right, then. Just leave everything to me. I'll look through me recipes and I bet I'll come up with something that'll be perfect for your big romantic evening."
While Mr. Crane was still napping, Daphne figured she might as well start going through her recipes. After ruling out the health foods she usually prepared for Mr. Crane, she wasn't left with many options. One of them was a recipe for a roast. In fact, it was the same recipe she'd made for Dr. Crane's last romantic dinner. She sighed, remembering. He'd gone to so much trouble to impress his neighbor, only to have her leave before dinner was even served. But the night hadn't been a total loss. Dr. Crane had surprised Daphne by asking her if she'd like to stay and have dinner. Daphne smiled as she remembered how Dr. Crane had listened to all her stories of growing up in Manchester, why she had come to America, and so on. She had almost felt bad for talking so much, but he didn't seem to mind. At least now Dr. Crane had apparently found someone new. She only hoped things would go better this time.
Daphne's thoughts were interrupted by Martin entering the kitchen. She turned when she heard his footsteps. "Oh, you're awake. How was your nap?"
Martin shrugged. "Couldn't sleep." After a moment, he nodded at the recipe cards Daphne had in front of her. "You trying to decide what to make for dinner?"
Daphne shook her head. "No. Dr. Crane asked me to prepare a special meal for a romantic evening."
"You mean Frase?" Martin asked, finding it impossible to believe Frasier would actually want Daphne to cook for his date.
Daphne laughed. "Not him. Dr. Crane," she said, as if she couldn't believe he could ever confuse the two.
Now Martin understood. "Oh. You mean Niles. Well, that makes sense," he said. Martin had a hunch that there was more to this story than Daphne was aware of. He considered letting Daphne know what he suspected, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Daphne sensed that Mr. Crane had something on his mind. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing," Martin said. "Well...I guess I'll go see what Eddie's up to." He left the room, not quite sure what to do next.
