Set after the balcony scene, initially from Niles' POV...
So, my goddess just declared her love to me, right here, on this very balcony, then she left me for another man. My insides must have become lead plated in that very instant because after she closed the door I gave in to the crushing weight that pulled me to the floor, fortunately I had somehow made it over to the corner of the balcony before this happened. My eyes blurred, swimming in my unshed tears and I was left barely able to prop myself up in the corner, my head resting on the wall behind me. I could feel a dull beat inside me, suddenly so aware of my own heart, it would would surely give up the fight soon. My life force was draining, what was there left for my heart to beat for now that Daphne had chosen him? The oxygen in the air around me must have been replaced with some toxic chemical because it became impossible to catch my breath and with each struggled attempt my throat burned through the strain. The only good sensation I felt at this moment was when I tried to hydrate my dry lips, and I noticed her taste was still lingering on me. My body shivered as I remembered how close we were just a few minutes ago. One hard swallow choked down the sob that was being forced upon me by my own unruly body. I used all my efforts to stop my imagination wandering to what we could be doing right now if our kiss didn't end prematurely. Would my hands have moved to her hair, or held her tighter? Would my kisses have moved to her neck? No, I can't think this right now, but I didn't know what else to do. My complete lack of energy meant my only option, at least for the time being, was to stare aimlessly at the view from the balcony. I don't know how long I was there before I heard the party in the room behind me begin to die down and I thought I heard Frasier's voice, he must be moving Daphne's family on from his room. At this time I just needed to be alone, so I stayed quite and hoped he didn't come out onto the balcony.
Meanwhile in Frasier's world...
After postponing going to my room for fear of interrupting Niles and Daphne I finally gave in to my curiousity, I just had to know how they both were. Entering my room and being greeted by the entire Moon family was not what I expected. After several attempts to get their attention I simply gave up and exited to the bar, maybe if I returned bearing gifts they would at least listen to me. There I spotted Daphne, deep in thought, sitting on a bar stool.
"Daph" but I got no response. I pulled up a stool next to her. "Daphne, are you alright?"
Daphne looked up to acknowledge she heard but stayed silent.
"So, how did the talk with Niles go?"
She shook her heard slightly indicating that it didn't end well.
Poor Niles, I thought, he must have gone through Hell tonight. Poor Daphne too, I could see her heart was breaking.
"Dr. Crane I'm so sorry about all this, I don't like to be a burden. It's just - I love your brother so much and I don't know what to do!" She managed to force out before burying her head into my chest which muffled her uncontrollable sobbing.
"Oh Daph" I said, wrapping my arms around her. "It's not my place to say what you should do, it's quite simply your choice to make and then stick to. Niles really does love you you know."
A slight nod came from Daphne along with a quiet "I know". She raised her head up now and faced over the bar.
"But he's married now, Dr. Crane, I can't make him go through another divorce, I saw how much pain the last one caused him, I don't know if he could handle all that again."
"But Daph this time he will have you- "
"Don't Dr. Crane!" Daphne interrupted. "Please, don't say it. I've made my decision, it's for the best all round, now, I better go get some rest. Big day tomorrow and all." She spoke, slowly standing as if her body was fighting her movement.
"Yes I suppose, as a matter of fact I too could do with some rest, as soon as I have your family out of my room that is."
"Oh Dr. Crane, I completely forgot about them! You should have said something sooner. I'll get rid of them for you."
"Thanks Daph" I said, standing next to her and offering her a quick comfort hug before following her up to my room.
"I know this is hard but in a few years you'll look back on this as a minor bump in the road." Even speaking these words I regretted saying them, she should leave Donny for Niles, am I the only one who can see how perfect they would be together? Ironic really since it's took me the best part of seven years to notice how happy they would make each other. I was only saying this to comfort Daphne, as her friend I had to support her decision, even if it is at the expense of my brother's heart. He is, however, married so in some way he must love Mel, maybe they would be happy in the future too.
All reviews welcome, this is my first fanfic so please feel free to be brutal (but not too much!) Thanks for reading.
