A/N: It's been a long time since I've written a sequel to one of Kristen3's stories, but "Covered Up" was so cute that I couldn't resist making it a bit longer. But as is often the case with my stories, it turned out to be a lot longer than I originally planned. The ending of her story was a little vague (in a good way!) so I hope this is kind of what she had in mind!
As had always happened when he pulled his car into the Elliott Bay Towers parking garage, Niles' heart skipped a beat-and then a second one. His primary reason for coming here was to see his older brother. He couldn't wait to tell Frasier about the miraculous breakthrough he'd made with a patient less than an hour before. And for once his intention in telling Frasier wasn't to brag (although in Niles' mind, he had every right. Never before had he felt so satisfied after a session with a patient), but instead to share something that he knew that only Frasier would understand. And he hoped, even in the slightest, that Frasier would tell him that he was proud of him.
It may have seemed that Niles was always trying to make himself look better but in truth he simply wanted someone to be proud of him, if only for a moment. God knew that Maris never expressed pride in her husband, even in the early "in love" stages of their marriage. Now he wondered (not for the first time) if that love had been real at all.
With a sigh he pushed his ex-wife out of his mind (Why was he thinking about her anyway?) and climbed out of his car. Once again the familiar heartwarming feeling returned. With any luck at all, not only would he be able to share his exciting news with his family, but he'd have the pleasure of seeing the woman he truly loved.
Perhaps it was crazy; being in love with someone whom he was certain didn't share his feelings. But he simply couldn't help it. Just the sight of her; the way she always greeted him so warmly, her beautiful chocolate brown eyes, her chestnut brown hair (that always smelled so heavenly), and her sweet voice never failed to make his heart sing. If that wasn't love, he didn't know what was.
The moment he entered the lobby (which, he had to admit, wasn't nearly as exquisite as the one at his own building at The Montana), he was greeted by Frasier's friendly doorman, Morrie. And after a short, polite conversation with the kind elderly man, Niles made his way to the elevator.
When he stepped inside he rubbed his hands together, feeling a strange sense of nervousness. And that feeling was immediately followed by the ridiculous worry that perhaps he should have stopped to buy some flowers before he arrived at Frasier's. He grinned. It would certainly get Daphne's attention, but he feared that her reaction would be one that would break his heart.
And he definitely did not need another broken heart. He wasn't sure that he could take it.