A/N: This is a sequel to my "Stars and Strips" story and it takes place where that story left off. I would suggest reading that story first to avoid any confusion. But as always, thanks so much for reading!
The morning sun warmed Daphne's face and she slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the brightness. For a moment she couldn't remember where she was, causing a brief instant of panic.
But when she felt the strong arms that held her, the hand gently caressing her bare forearm and the touch of soft lips against her skin, she remembered.
She'd spent a blissful night in Niles' arms, lying underneath the stars and a warm blanket on Frasier's balcony.
Another surge of panic followed, for Frasier was sure to be furious. After all, she'd not only broken his designer door handle, but she'd also missed his appearance on the KACL Independence Day parade.
And in the process, she'd fallen in love with his younger brother.
The thought made her smile and she sank deeper into Niles arms, sighing when he kissed her lips. Even in his state of drowsiness, Niles somehow managed to be the most romantic man she'd ever met.
She returned his kiss with enough passion to rouse him from his dream-like state. And when his eyes slowly opened, she caressed his cheek and smiled.
"Good morning, Sweetheart."
Niles sighed deeply and kissed her again, causing the memory of their first kiss (the one that had occurred only hours before) to come flooding back.
"Good morning, sweet angel." He said dreamily.
Daphne sighed softly and snuggled closer against his chest, no longer worrying about what was yet to come.
Who cared what Frasier thought? If he and Martin were angry, so be it. But she would never regret what had happened last night.
Niles groaned and stretched, followed by a yawn and she couldn't help but smile. For the gesture made him look even more adorable than he already was.
"We should probably go inside." He said softly.
At his words, Daphne clung to him, not wanting to let him go.
"No, please... just hold me a little while longer."
To prove her point, she kissed him deeply. She could feel him trembling beneath her touch and she knew that it wasn't from the morning chill in the air.
"I'd love nothing more than to hold you in my arms for the rest of my life." Niles said, kissing her cheek. "But Frasier and Dad are probably furious. Especially since I came over specifically to keep Dad company."
"Oh..."
Slightly hurt, Daphne turned away. Seconds later she was aware of Niles' gentle hand on her chin, turning her face toward him.
"What's wrong, my love?"
The words were so soft that they came out in a whisper and she felt the beginning of tears in her eyes. Her throat tightened and she found that she couldn't speak.
"Daphne?"
She could only shrug, wiping the ridiculous tears from her eyes.
"I-." Was all she managed to say.
A look of understanding filled his eyes and he cupped her face in his hands.
"I'm so sorry, Daphne. That was insensitive of me. It's true that I only came over to keep Dad company, but I never expected to fall even deeper in love with you."
The tears in her eyes slid down her cheeks and she touched her forehead to his.
"Daphne, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't. I just-."
"What?"
"No one's ever said anything so beautiful to me before."
Without waiting for a response, she took him in her arms and kissed him again.
"I love you, Niles."
"I love you too, my angel. And as blissful as this has been, holding you in my arms, we should go inside."
She let out a breath, knowing that he was right. "Okay."
Reluctantly, she rose to her feet and gathered the blankets; folding them neatly before placing them in a pile, exactly where she'd found them.
"I'll make you some breakfast." She said, squeezing Niles' hand.
When he saw her worried look, he touched her cheek.
"Don't worry my angel. Everything will be just fine."
His kind words warmed her heart and she kissed him tenderly.
"Thank you Niles."