A/N... This is the first of three stories based on the episode "Perspectives of Christmas". Because I've added a lot of dialogue from the show, there are also a lot of spoilers, even though this is an AU version. Therefore I strongly suggest watching the episode first!

Faith Hope and Love

Daphne did her best to hide the worry that filled her heart as she entered Frasier's apartment.

Always the gentleman, Niles was at her side in an instant, helping her remove her coat.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane."

His smile warmed her, but sadly it provided little comfort. Was it possible that he had no idea what was going on?

The thought caused her even more worry, but she was determined not to let it show. No sense in upsetting him.

"That's awfully dangerous, Daphne... standing under that mistletoe!"

She looked up, blushing deeply when Niles grinned at her.

It was such a sweet thing for him to say, but sadly she knew there was very little chance of being kissed by anyone this Christmas.

She hadn't had a date in months!

Well, perhaps that was a slight exaggeration, but she definitely hadn't had any dates worth mentioning. In fact, most were dates she'd rather forget.

Niles was just being polite. Surely he wasn't suggesting that he would take interest in kissing her. It was ridiculous to even imagine such a thing!

And it was also a bit dangerous. To imply that they were more than friends would risk their friendship; and that was something she valued more than he would ever know.

He'd been there, time and again, listening to her problems without judgment; something her brothers and her parents rarely did.

"Come on, Dad. I'll make you some egg nog." Frasier was saying.

"Say! That sounds like a great idea!" Martin said, hobbling into the kitchen as Eddie scampered close behind.

Alone in the living room and feeling quite shy, Daphne looked at Niles and smiled.

"So... What did you get your father for Christmas?"

Niles face lit up like the lights on the tree and he glanced at the kitchen before lowering his voice.

"Well, I probably shouldn't say, considering that he's mere feet away, but I bought him an exquisite-."

"AHHHHHHH!"

The scream startled them and just as Daphne was about to rush into the kitchen, Frasier appeared, looking strangely troubled.

"No need to be alarmed!" He said.

"Are you sure, Dr. Crane?" Daphne asked.

"Oh yes. Everything will be fine... Eventually."

When Frasier disappeared from sight, Daphne looked at Niles and took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Niles asked.

She shook her head. "No, actually I'm not. I'm a bit concerned."

"Whatever for? Frasier's just fine." Niles said.

"It's not your brother I'm worried about. It's your father."

Niles glanced toward the kitchen. "Dad? He's fine."

Daphne swallowed hard.

"Dr Crane, I think your father's been going to that church on Chestnut Street! I had an uncle who did the same thing! He had no interest in church his entire life. Then he started going every day! Turns out he'd gotten some bad news from his doctor. He didn't even last a year! What do you think about that, Dr. Crane?"

To her surprise he smiled at her. "Well first of all, I can see that you're upset so come here."

She sighed when he hugged her warmly.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane. You're always so supportive."

"Second of all..." He continued. "I think you're worrying over nothing. Dad's fine! I've never known him to have so much as a hangnail without everyone knowing about it."

Daphne smiled and touched shoulder. "You're right. I just got meself all worked up, remembering me Uncle John."

Niles looked at her with such concern that she felt as though she might cry.

"Look at you. Just saying his name gets you upset. Come here."

"I-I'm fine." She lied.

"No, no... You need a hug."

When he hugged her again, she leaned her head against his chest. It was just a friendly hug, but she always felt so safe in his arms.

Suddenly Martin coughed loudly in the kitchen, causing Daphne to pull out of Niles' embrace.

"Mr. Crane, are you all right?" She asked.

"We're fine, Daphne!" Frasier yelled from the kitchen.

Niles smiled at Daphne. "See? Nothing to worry about! Well, I have to run."

He headed for the door, just as Frasier ran to catch up with him.

"Hold the elevator, Niles!"

Frasier paused at the door and turned to Martin who had come into the living room.

"Uh, Dad... Niles and I will be there for you... When the time comes."

Daphne gasped and put her hand over her mouth.

"Thanks, Fras... Niles..." Martin said. "That means a lot to me."

"Well, we're off." Frasier said as he and Niles left the condo, closing the door behind them.