"Oh, I love you, Dr. Crane." The goddess Daphne Moon said, briefly covering
Niles hand with her own.
Niles looked down at his drink; his heart beating faster at her words. If only
they were genuine and sincere.
"I love you too, Daphne." He said, taking a sip of his drink.
The words he'd just spoken were more than heartfelt. They were the most
sincere and genuine words he'd ever said.
The only thing was... that she didn't know it.
They sat in silence; two friends who'd been unlucky in love. True, Niles had
never been that attracted to Adelle and his heart was never in the
relationship. But Daphne really cared for Rodney; as disturbing as it was.
His heart ached when he remembered how hurt she was when Joe broke up
with her. And over potatoes at that! Why, he simply couldn't imagine anyone
breaking up with someone so beautiful, so exquisite, so...
He glanced at Daphne, who was staring off into space; probably wondering
what she'd done to end up here at The Sure Thing singles bar.
Funny... he'd been wondering the same thing himself.
Daphne probably thought it was her fault (preposterous!), but Niles knew
better. Why, she hardly had any faults at all!
He stared at her; the loveliest thing he'd ever seen. Her porcelain skin and
silky fragrant hair that sent his senses reeling. It would be so easy to lean
foreword, just a bit and kiss her cheek. She might be startled.
But what if she wasn't? What if she blushed deeply, touched by the sudden
yet unexpected sentiment? And maybe, just maybe she'd turn to him from her
barstool and move toward him until their lips touched in a feather light kiss.
And then-
"Daphne?"
"Yes, Dr. Crane?"
He swallowed hard, hardly able to remember saying her name. It was too late
to back out now.
"I –I meant it."
"Meant what?"
"I do... love you, that is." He said. "I've loved you for a long time."
Daringly he looked at her, afraid of her reaction and yet desperately wanting
to know.
To his amazement she laughed and touched his hand again.
"You've got an awfully warm heart, Dr. Crane... And I love you for it. I love you
for a lot of things. The way you always greet me so kindly at the door, the
sweet things you say about what I'm wearin' or -."
"Daphne... When I said I love you, I meant... well... I'm in love with you."
The words tumbled out like a spilled glass of wine.
Daringly his eyes met hers and he tried to read her expression. But all she did
was gaze at him in disbelief.
"Wh-what?" She finally said after a long silence.
To his horror, tears filled her eyes.
"I-I'm sorry. I've upset you. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Dr. Crane, you didn't-."
"I should go."
Niles reached into his pocket and laid some money on the counter for their
drinks, desperately wanting to leave as fast as possible.
"Dr. Crane, wait!" he heard her calling to him as he walked out of the bar.
Alone in the darkness, he stood outside of the bar pacing back and forth, his
mind swimming in confusion.
Damn it, Niles. You've really done it this time. He could hear Frasier and his
father saying.
You had to follow your heart, which is something you never do. We tried to warn
you but you just wouldn't listen.
And they were right.
Telling Daphne how he felt about her had been a colossal mistake. She was
just getting over not one but two lost loves and here he comes, just an
ordinary guy pouring his heart out to her. How did he think she was going to
react? He was merely a friend and that's all he'd ever be. And worse, he'd
sprung the news on her after she'd politely told him that she'd never get
involved with a man who was separated.
But like a fool he hadn't believed her.
Oh how he'd longed to hold her in his arms when she'd cried over Joe at
Frasier's apartment. To be just inches away from the intoxicating scent of her
hair; to caress her back and whisper soothing words in her ear.
But Dad and Frasier had put a stop to that in a hurry.
With a sigh, he turned and began to walk back to his car. It was getting so
late, and he really should be heading home. Maris would be waiting for him.
Or not.
These days he really couldn't tell.
It didn't matter anyway. At least he'd be home where he belonged. No one
could fault him for that.
"Dr. Crane?"
His heart beat faster at the familiar voice. Slowly he turned to find himself
staring into her eyes.
"Daphne."
To his surprise, she took his hands in hers, causing him to feel light-headed.
"Dr. Crane, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings." She said gently.
"Daphne, you could never... It was completely my fault. I was way out of line
and-."
She pressed her fingers to his lips to silence him, but the touch of her skin
caused his lips to burn.
"Dr Crane, don't blame yourself. It was a very sweet thing to say."
He blushed and looked away. "Well, maybe... but I shouldn't have-."
"I'm glad you did." She said with a smile.
"You are?"
"It was wonderful, Dr. Crane. It made me feel a whole lot better about meself.
I was feelin' a bit down before you came."
"But Daphne, I-."
She smiled and took a step toward him. And then to his complete and utter
amazement... she kissed him.
It was a thousand times better than he ever dreamed it could be.
"Thank you, Dr. Crane." She said. "I-I don't quite know what to say."
He smiled nervously. "You don't have to say anything. I just... wanted you to
know how I felt... That's all."
They stared at each other in silence, still holding hands. He rubbed his thumb
over her soft silky skin, wishing he could stay like this forever.
"Dr. Crane?"
"Yes, Daphne?"
"Thank you."
"Oh, well... you're welcome, but-."
She pulled him into her arms and kissed him again and again; the touch of her
hands on his neck and shoulders sending his thoughts places that they never
went with Maris.
Maris...
Oh God. Now what was he supposed to do?
"Well..." He said when the kisses ended.
"So what now?" Daphne asked.
The question sent a million thoughts swirling through his head.
To kiss you, hold you... treat you like the goddess that you are... To leave my cold,
uncaring wife, who-."
"So... what should we do, Dr. Crane?" She asked again, startling him out of his
thoughts.
He took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.
"Well, Daphne... It's late and... I'd be honored if you'd let me walk you home."
She smiled and put her arm around him, leaning against his chest. "I'd like
that. I sure do love you."
He kissed her forehead and breathed in the scent of her hair. "And I love you,
too. Daphne."
As they walked home with their arms around each other he smiled, knowing
that truer words had never been spoken.
The End
