A/N: This is a Christmas gift for Kristen3 who 'suggested' that I write this story after I finished the original story, "Searching for You" which is an AU version of "The 1,000th Show". It can be read on its own, but it begins where "Searching" ends.
As they walked down Fifth Avenue, Daphne leaned against Niles, sighing when he put his arm around her. This was all so new to her, but it felt so right. She always felt safe in his company.
"So where would you like to go, Daphne?"
She raised her head to look at him. "What?"
He smiled at her confusion. "I was asking where you'd like to go. Buying you dinner is the least I can do."
"But Dr. Crane…"
"Niles." He corrected, clutching her hands in his. "Please, call me Niles. Now, you must be starving, so where-."
She glanced up and down the busy street. The sun had begun to set and the street lamps were barely visible, giving Fifth Avenue a romantic glow. Funny that she had never noticed it before. Nor had she noticed the small Italian restaurant that was situated on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Lancaster Road. "How about there?" She asked.
"Anything for you, Daphne."
Her cheeks warmed at his words. "You're always so thoughtful."
"Come on." He said, leading her down the street. When they reached the restaurant they peered into the window and then glanced at the menu. Bella Note may have been small, but the menu was too intriguing to pass up. And as soon as the door was opened, the aroma of Italian food wafted through the air.
They were approached by a young man in a tuxedo who greeted them warmly. "How many?"
"Two please." Niles replied, escorting Daphne to the table.
"This is lovely." Daphne said as he pulled the chair out for her. "Thank you, Niles."
After the waiter had taken their orders, Daphne looked around the restaurant, amazed at how such a small place could be so romantic. While they waited for their food, she couldn't help noticing the way Niles was staring at her across the table. It was flattering of course, but she couldn't help questioning it.
"Why are you looking at me that way?"
He smiled and his face flushed. To her surprise, he reached across the table and took her hand. "You're so beautiful."
Now it was Daphne who blushed. "Niles…"
"Daphne I can't thank you enough."
His sweet words warmed her heart. "I haven't done anything."
He brought her hand to his lips. "Of course you have. Up until a little while ago, I didn't think anyone cared about me."
She swallowed hard as tears filled her eyes. "Oh Niles…"
"Frasier was all wrapped in his ridiculous Frasier Crane Day and even when we were mugged, his only concern was getting to the Space Needle for his ceremony."
Anger surged through her as she remembered the way Frasier was carrying on, giving no thought to his brother whatsoever.
"I wish I'd never gone to that bloody ceremony!"
She hadn't meant to say the words aloud, but now that she had, there was no taking them back. She tried to hide her annoyance but as usual, Niles could sense that she was upset.
"Daphne what happened? Did Frasier say something to upset you?"
She swallowed hard. "No, but… Well, I was so worried, Niles! I thought…"
Unexpectedly, tears filled her eyes and the stares of the restaurant patrons made her feel increasingly uncomfortable.
But Niles was not at all fazed by the attention. He rose from the table and went her, coaxing her into his arms. "Thank you, Daphne. For being so worried about me."
She almost melted at his kindness and leaned into his embrace. "I love you."
The words were so soft that she was barely aware that she had said them. But the gentle kiss he placed on her lips told her that he had.
"I love you too, Daphne." He whispered. And it was then that her heart finally melted.