This is a birthday story for Kristen3 who in turn, wrote the story "Otter Love" on which this is based. I've been a volunteer at the Seattle Aquarium for many years and I absolutely love sea otters, so I found this story incredibly fun to write. And for the record, any negative comments about the aquarium are just for the story purposes.=)

Niles felt somewhat victorious when he pulled the car into the parking space on Alaskan way. It was still early but it wouldn't be too long before people would start to arrive and eventually spend precious time driving in circles in search of a parking space only to give up in frustration. And given Daphne's current state, she was already under enough stress. She still had several months to go before their first child would be born but she tired easily and needed her rest. A trip downtown to the Seattle Aquarium seemed tiring in itself, having to deal with both traffic and tourists. But he had promised her that they would visit and today seemed like the perfect time. It was a lovely spring morning, a rare one that was free of rain and began with a promising, beautiful sunrise. They awoke early that morning, eager to be among the first to arrive.

After a quick but filing breakfast, they jumped in the car and began their journey. As they drove, Niles was amazed that the traffic was light, and they arrived in downtown Seattle much earlier than expected. And an even bigger amazement was how easy it was to find a parking space within a short walking distance of the aquarium. It was as though the Gods knew how to make Daphne happy, just as they had made him happy by bringing her to him.

He opened the car door, feeling a bit apprehensive when he noticed the viaduct freeway overhead. Should a sudden earthquake occur (the 'big one' as it had been predicted for years), the entire freeway could come crashing down and-

"Niles, are you all right?"

He jumped in surprise at the touch of Daphne's hand on his forearm, and he looked at her, trying to calm his shaking body.

"Sweetheart what is it?"

"N-nothing… I…"

"Well come on!" She said her worried mood suddenly gone. "You know how I hate crowds and the aquarium is going to open in a few minutes!"

Niles climbed out of the car and went to her, taking her hand to help her. From that moment on, their fingers remained entwined.

They reached the crosswalk, waiting for their turn to cross the busy Alaskan Way and Niles stared at the aquarium before him in awe. It was true that he hadn't been here in years. He and Frasier were children on their last visit, sharing a weekend outing with his mom and dad but seeing it from a different perspective; he was amazed at how much it had changed.

As a boy it seemed larger than life but now he appreciated the wooden structure that housed it. It was even more beautiful now than he remembered, with the giant "59" painted on the front, signifying that they were indeed about to embark on Pier 59. He could only imagine how different it must be inside.

Suddenly he felt her tugging at his hand. "Niles, come on! The light won't stay green forever!"

He sighed, wondering why, since they'd left the Montana, he'd been so distracted. It wasn't fair to Daphne, or to himself. He relished this time alone with her, the woman he loved so deeply, and he didn't want to miss a moment. And so he vowed at that second to be attentive, loving and supportive as he showed Daphne the time of her life.

Perhaps in the process he would be able to relieve some of his childhood.