A/N: This is a Christmas gift for LoisAndClarkSuperfan whose friendship and support means the world to me.
Niles blindly drove through the streets of Seattle, passing a run-down convenience store for what had to be the fifth time. Or maybe it was the sixth, he really couldn't remember. Nor could he remember what had gotten him so enraged that he flew off the handle and hurt the woman that he loved; something that was unfathomable to him just twenty four hours ago. And yet, he'd hurt her so badly that she'd thrown him out of the house; an act that hadn't happened since he'd been married to Maris.
Instead of begging her forgiveness he stormed out of the house, shouting a few choice words along the way. They were words that were meant to sting, and he'd definitely gotten his point across. But now he couldn't remember what the point was. All he could remember was the shock and hurt and his angel's face as he spewed words of disdain as though they were venom. It was eerily similar to an argument he'd had with his last wife.
Mel made no secret of her angry disposition, especially when she didn't get her way. It was during these arguments that he would shrink into his shell, feeling much like a scared little boy. Long gone was the man who so bravely stood his ground when Mel threatened to keep him from being the woman he truly loved. And because of his cowardness he had almost lost Daphne, his beautiful angel. But true love had prevailed and he was happier than he'd ever dreamed. But now because of his own stupidity, he'd lost her forever.
Overcome with emotion he pulled over on the dark street and cried into his hands. "Oh Daphne… I'm so sorry."
When he had no tears left, he raised his head and stared into the darkness. He had to make it up to her. He couldn't live with himself knowing that he'd caused her such pain. But nothing seemed like enough. Mere words could never convey how truly sorry he was. And he feared that nothing ever would.
So it was nothing short of a miracle that he found himself driving past a shop that he'd never noticed before. And it could only be considered a sign. Without hesitation he found a parking place and went inside.
As he described his dilemma to the employee, he found that she was surprisingly compassionate; even shedding a tear as he described his plight.
"I have just the thing." She said with a smile.
An hour later he'd made his final trip to the car, amazed that it took such effort. And despite the employee's reassurance that it would be worth it, Niles still had his doubts. And truth be told, he wondered if Daphne would ever speak to him again.
Once more his perfect world felt as though it was crashing down on him.