It had been the worst night of his life. Or one of them, anyway. It was bad enough driving home knowing that The Chameleon's Song would never come to be, but it was the guilt that haunted him now. It invaded his thoughts, making sleep impossible. And by the time morning arrived, he was completely exhausted. However he was no longer determined to sleep. Instead he knew that the only way to combat his guilt and shame was to compose an apology. But what could he say that would possibly express his honest and sincere remorse?
Still in his pajamas, he donned his robe and slippers and went downstairs to his study, not even bothering to make breakfast. At that moment he had no desire to eat; he knew that he wouldn't be able to even taste food until he'd done what he'd come to do. It haunted him that much.
He sat down at his large mahogany desk and placed a stack of clean white paper in front of him, prepared to compose a heartfelt letter. But he soon realized that his effort only resulted in a sea of crumpled paper that lay at his feet.
Finally in frustration he returned to his bedroom (choosing to leave the mess of paper intact on the carpeted floor of his office) and got dressed. Moments later with his keys and briefcase in hand, he headed out the front door. He had no idea where he was going, but he soon found himself at the Elliott Bay Towers.
As he looked around the parking garage, he chuckled. It must have been inevitable that he'd end up at his brother's home. It seemed that sooner or later he always ended up there, no matter what the situation. But the truth was that he really didn't mind.
He'd be lying if he said that the prospect of seeing Daphne wasn't the sole reason for his often-impromptu visits to Frasier's place. For in fact the truth was that the thought of seeing the woman he desired was what drew him to the Elliott Bay Towers time and again. Oh, how he loved Daphne Moon, even if she was completely oblivious to the fact. Not that he had ever told her.
But he also found that he felt at home at the Elliot Bay Towers. He certainly felt far more comfortable than he'd ever felt when he lived in that monstrosity of a mansion with Maris. He knew that here he'd feel safe and secure. And he was certain that he'd have no problem composing the perfect letter of apology in the familiar surroundings of his brother's living room at the breakfast table. Certainly Niles' desk at home would have been much more efficient, but there was something comforting about working at a table meant for indulging in the most important meal of the day. And space wise, there was plenty of room to spread out his pens and paper and began to clear his mind.
After entering the lobby and nodding in greeting to the doorman, Morrie, Niles took the elevator to the nineteenth floor. The elevator doors opened and he crossed the hallway, his finger poised at the doorbell. He rang it once, then twice. When there was no answer, he felt the familiar sinking disappointment of his heart, but the feeling passed quickly and he removed his key to let himself in.
The living room was strangely quiet; a scene that he found strangely disappointing, knowing that he was completely and utterly alone. But it was also a blessing; for he needed peace and quiet to do what he'd come to do.
Closing the door behind him, he smiled as Eddie scampered into the room, proving that Niles wasn't so alone after all. The little dog barked happily, making Niles laugh. All right, so it was true that Niles wouldn't be completely alone in the condo and the other truth was that Eddie's presence provided yet another strange comfort, just by his being there.
"It's nice to see you too, Eddie." Niles said, bending down to scratch Eddie's head. He laughed at the way Eddie's tale wagged happily from the attention. But it was clear that the dog wanted more. And suddenly Niles wished that he could provide it.
"Oh Eddie, I'd love to play with you, but I have work to do."
His heart sank a bit when Eddie whimpered, and Niles felt a bit guilty. But then as though nothing had happened, Eddie sprinted across the living room and jumped into Martin's chair, content to stare at his owner's youngest son.