A/N: This is an unofficial continuation of sorts of Nescient by Kalimyre that doesn't really need to be continued (since it's wonderful on its' own), but because it touched me on a personal level, I'm thankful for having the permission to add to it. I only hope that my story will do justice to the original.

Penitent; adjective-having or showing remorse for wrongdoing.

Niles drew back slowly, wanting to savor this moment as long as he could. And when their lips were no longer touching, he stared into Daphne's tear-filled eyes. There was so much more he wanted to tell her, so much he couldn't say. But luckily it was she who spoke first.

"So does that mean yes?" She was asking him now.

"Um... yes, what?"

She smiled and gently brushed his cheek with the back of her hand. "You're nervous, aren't you? I'm a bit nervous meself. But I was asking if the kiss was your answer to me question."

"Oh yes... I-I mean yes, of course Daphne. Of course I'm free for a date with you; every night until the end of time, in fact."

Her cheeks colored fiercely. "Dr. Crane..."

"Please... he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. "Call me Niles."

"A-all right. Niles..."

The sound of his name on her lips made him smile and he couldn't resist kissing her once more.

"I'll take you anywhere you want to go." He whispered as the kiss ended and she drew him into her arms.

Their arms wrapped around each other, they stood in silence for several seconds. Regrettably, Niles stole a glance at his watch, sighing when he realized how late it had become. He hated to leave but he'd imposed on her long enough.

"I should go."

She leaned against him and in response he drew her closer.

"Are you okay, Niles?"

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her heavenly scent. He was always amazed at how it calmed him and now that he'd confessed his feelings, the calmness was even more so.

"Niles?"

He lifted his head, suddenly aware that she was speaking to him. Her soothing hand moved up and down his back.

"I'm feeling much better, thank you Daphne. But I really should go."

"All right, I understand. Let me walk you to the door."

They stood in the foyer, staring at one another and Niles could hardly believe that this was happening. In the course of one day his life had changed dramatically. Daphne hadn't said that she loved him, but she hadn't rejected him either.

Hesitantly he leaned foreword to kiss her.

"I'll call you later and we can make plans for our date."

His heart skipped a beat as he said the words, for he could hardly believe he was saying them.

"I'd like that." Daphne replied.

And as Niles walked to his car, his heart was filled with joy.