Author's Note: Many thanks to Aria (crazysockmonkeys) for writing "Sink," and giving me permission to continue it. I just felt there could be a little something more, and this resulted. :)

"Oh, Dr. Crane! I didn't know you were coming by for dinner."

Niles let out a sigh. "Well, I think this may be the only place in Seattle where I'm welcome at the moment."

Daphne reached out to squeeze his hand. "Is this about the incident at that party?"

"You mean the one where I nearly leveled an entire art gallery filled with some of the Emerald City's most elite citizens? I'm afraid so."

"Oh, Dr. Crane, I'm so sorry. What's happened?"

Another sigh. "Well, I overheard a few of Maris' 'friends' at Nervosa this afternoon, discussing another soiree. I walked over and politely asked what night it would be, so that I might keep it open. I was informed that it would not be 'my kind of party.' That apparently was a hilarious comment, because I've never heard society women laugh that hard before."

"Well, that's bloody awful! What happened to you was just an accident. If they're excluding you now because of that, I think you should just go and find some new friends. They certainly don't seem like the kind of friends you'd want anyway!" Daphne reached out, pulling him into a comforting hug.

"Thank you, Daphne. I knew you'd say something like that. Of course, Maris is so upset by this disaster that she's taken refuge in Europe. I don't know that I'll ever recover from this."

"You will, Dr. Crane. Everybody has an embarrassing moment now and then. At the time, it feels like the end of the world. But, eventually, everybody moves on, and it isn't so bad after all. You'll see." She smiled encouragingly at him.

Looking into her eyes, Niles wanted so much to believe her. But she had no idea how these society types were. Gossip was like oxygen to them, and he knew his escapade had already spread like wildfire. If it weren't for his family and medical practice, he might seriously consider entering Witness Protection.

"Oh, I wish your father or brother were here right now. I know they'd both know what to say to you more than I do! Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"No, I don't think there's anything anyone can do." He sighed once again, looking at the ground sadly.

"You can't keep beating yourself up like this. Why, I remember back in Manchester, when a boy came to pick me up for a dance. I had such a crush on him." Daphne sighed, remembering how handsome the young man had been. "But me brother Simon answered the door. He told me date that the only boy I'd ever danced with was me brother Billy, and I'd broken his foot! I was so angry and embarrassed, I could've killed Simon right there! Luckily, me date knew all about Simon and his habit of making things up. We ended up having a lovely time. But you see, Dr. Crane, it really wasn't so bad after all."

"I suppose you're right, Daphne. This too shall pass. But I have a feeling I'm going to be a bit lonely for a while. Maris is away, and I've got no friends."

"What do you mean, you've got no friends? What on earth am I?"

"You're right again, Daphne. I do have you, and you're worth more than ten society blue-bloods any day!"

Daphne blushed. She kissed his cheek. "You see, Dr. Crane? All you've got to do is see the glass half-full. You've got a good job, and a family who loves you. You're actually very lucky."

Niles took hold of Daphne's hand, amazed at how soft it was. "You're right, Daphne. I'm extremely lucky."

The End