Author's Note:I had planned on doing this as an AU version of "Midwinter Night's Dream," but decided not to. In any case, it does take place early on in the series. And obviously this isn't a one-shot, so there's more to come! :)

In less than 24 hours, Maris would be returning from her month-long tour of Europe. When Daphne had casually mentioned that she would be glad to come over and help Niles get the mansion ready, he'd quickly agreed, and given his staff the night off. Marta and the others had looked at him strangely when he'd told them. But he ignored their protests about "Missy Crane" and sent them all home to their families. In just a few moments, Daphne would be arriving. Or at least he hoped so. Seattle had chosen tonight to remind people why it was considered one of the rainiest parts of the country by delivering a huge thunderstorm. When the weather took a turn for the worse, Niles had called his brother, planning to tell Daphne not to come. He hated the thought of her driving in such dangerous conditions. But Frasier had informed him that Daphne had already left, so now all he could do was wait.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Niles opened it, expecting to see Daphne, looking as radiant as ever. But what he saw was something entirely different. Daphne stood there, soaked to the skin. There was mud all over her clothes, and she appeared to have been crying. Niles' heart broke at the sight. "Daphne, what happened?" He helped her inside.

"I slipped and fell in your driveway. I've gotten mud all over me clothes, and now I look like a mess." She once again seemed to be on the verge of tears.

"Let's get you in front of a fire so you can warm up a bit." Niles went to find towels to help her dry off as best she could. When he handed them to her, she looked at them as if she were afraid to take one. "What's the matter?" Niles asked, now even more worried about her.

"Well, when I fell, I tried to catch meself with me arm. But it didn't work."

"Let's have a look at it," Niles said, gently pushing her sleeve up. As he did, he tried not to think of how badly he wanted to hold her and never let go. He immediately saw that her wrist was badly swollen. He touched the area, trying his best to be gentle. Daphne winced immediately. "Daphne, this looks like it could be sprained. We'd better get you to the hospital."

Daphne looked at him, clearly frightened by the idea. "You're a doctor. Couldn't you just take care of it for me?"

"Daphne, I'm a psychiatrist. This is a little outside my area of expertise."

"But, Dr. Crane, I've never been to an American hospital. Not as a patient, anyway."

Niles took hold of her other hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll take you there myself, and I'll stay with you if you want me to."

"But what about Mrs. Crane? Don't you have to get this place ready for her?"

Niles looked around and sighed. The staff had done an admirable job of keeping the place running smoothly in his wife's absence. If things were less than perfect, well, he'd just have to face the consequences later. "I can worry about Maris later. Right now, the only thing I'm concerned about is that wrist of yours," he said. He looked into her eyes, and saw that she was still afraid. "It'll be all right, I promise," he said.

"A-all right, Dr. Crane. If you insist."

Niles gave her a comforting smile and began leading her out to his car.