The Perfect picture.
Disclaimer: Really, guys, if I'd own a television show such as Fraiser, (who belongs to the Grub street people, and to paramount, I think...) Would I be spending my time writing fan fiction? Don't sue, we already owe your country enough money as it is, to add the debt of a poor college student, who happens to live at the other end of the globe. (Did I mention, I'm not making any money out of this? I'm actually not making any money, period.)
Author's notes: So, I can't believe I'm actually posting this! This is certainly not my first fanfic, and I doubt that I'm ever posting another one. This one just came out so nice at the end, and my little brother wouldn't stop bothering me unless I did it, so there. I'm not sure if it's an original concept, I thought it was, anyway. I just hope someone, even if it's just one person, will be able to enjoy it as much as I did with some of the things I've read here. If it's no good, and you hate it, spare my feelings. I couldn't take that kind of rejection. If you love it though, please DO TELL!!!
Summary: Basically, this takes place a year after the episode "The proposal", everything else sort of explains itself. There are five parts to this story. Every part consist on three chapters, and every chapter has a part of the story told around an object, and a letter, or in any case, an extract of a journal. So I guess that's fifteen chapters :) Don't worry, they're not as long as the author's note is turning out to be, well...
Rating: PG, I guess.
Feedback to: evolution2476@yahoo.com (Only good one, please! No, kidding, there's nothing like constructive criticism.)
The perfect picture
by Konnie
PART 1
First item: The frame.
Niles sat at a table down one of many cafes in Paris. He still couldn't pick one he liked best. And he missed his lattes. Though the coffee here was good, it wasn't the same.
He didn't tell this to anyone, but the real reason he enjoyed antiques, was that they'd put him in a sort of trance. It was like traveling through time, and he could almost picture the original owners of each piece. He tried to imagine how their lives were, their hopes and dreams. It was almost a religious experience. He would some times fantasize about having a previous life. He didn't really believe in them, but it was a fun concept, and he would imagine finding something that had once belonged to him. If he really had believed in reincarnation, then what he found that day would have certainly belonged to him. Lets just say that once he put his eyes on that art deco picture frame, he had to have it. He didn't even minded how overpriced it was.
He ran his fingers through the motives, admiring it's work, and took a sip of his coffee.
***
"Dear Frasier:
I know I've been a little out of touch. I'm sorry, I hope you'll be able to forgive me. How is everybody? Is Dad still working? Is Eddie still alive? Has Roz made her way into the Guinness book of records yet?
My life is pretty much the same as the last time I wrote. No friends, no girlfriend. There are days that I think that if I see another college student I'll kill my self, but usually, everything's great.
I was at an antique fair this afternoon. I've found the most exquisite photo frame I've ever seen. It's such a beautiful piece, I bet you would love it. I took a picture of the frame, and attached it to the letter.
So, I'd spend the rest of the day going over all the photo albums I could find, trying to find the right picture for the frame. Either they were photos without any kind of sentimental value, or they had too much of an emotional baggage. I couldn't very well put a picture there, that would make me want to cry everytime I watch it.
Everytime I go to an antique fair, or the opera, or a museum, or basically anything I could possibly enjoy, I'm reminded of my life in Seattle. Especially nine out of those forty four years, the last nine. But after all this time, it's not with despair or unbearable pain that I remember, but a pleasant melancholy. I still have sleepless nights once in a while, trying to figure out how could I have made things right, but they get less frequent every day, and I'm sure some day they'll be over. But I have managed to pull my life together, and I like my life as it is now. I like teaching. I think I even like not having as much money as I used to. It puts things in perspective. It helps you see what really matters.
I didn't expect to stand living so far away from home, but I figured that the Atlantic in the middle would help me forget. I couldn't go to England to live, that was for sure. France was a good choice. One thing is certain, I'm still not so over Daphne to go out with anyone, and I'm guessing I'll never be. If a year away didn't do the trick, nothing will.
Please come to visit. I miss you all so much, and I haven't seen you in so long!
Your little brother
Niles."
Second item: The coffee table.
Frasier got up early that morning, and went to pick up his mail. An envelope caught his attention. He recognized the stylish handwriting of his brother and let out a smile. He didn't approve of running away of one's problems, but he was proud of Niles intents to get on with his life. He knew very well how much Daphne had hurt him, and he had expected him to fall apart. He was glad to be wrong. He still missed him a lot, but his departure turned out for the best. He left the letter on the coffee table, and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Ever since the brake up, Daphne started to sleep until late hours of the morning, so he was left to make his own breakfast, which he found to be and advantage instead of an inconvenience. Martin, followed closely by Eddie, came out of his room, and into his chair. He reached for the newspaper, and spotted the letter.
"Oh! Fraise, Niles wrote!" Fraiser popped his head out of the kitchen.
"Yes, Dad, I'm aware of that!"
"When was the last time we got a letter from him?"
"Uhm,...I think,...Yes, three months ago, when he started working on that university of his. He only writes when something important happens. Do you think he's getting married, or something?"
"Oh, no! I don't see that happening any time soon."
"Yeah, I guess your right. Well, lets read it before Daphne gets up, we don't want her walking around the house like a ghost like the last time."
Fraiser put a tray with the breakfast on the coffee table, sat on the couch and began reading out loud. It wasn't a very long letter, and they both agreed that the fact that Niles hardly wrote, or called, was merely because he was still hurt. They had both forgiven Daphne, and even welcomed back into their home once she left the Montana, but they didn't understand why she'd ended everything in the first place. Niles had just proposed to her, and she seemed happy, but over night, she decided to throw it all away without much explaining. She wasn't even mad with him. In fact, everytime he wrote, or called, she would get really upset. It was obvious that she missed him. It was also obvious that, if they didn't go to Paris, they wouldn't see him, since he had no intention of coming back, even for a short visit.
***
"Dear Niles:
Thanks for your letter. You should keep in touch, we all miss you a lot as well. I must confess I have a hard time imagining you as a professor. Do you really like it? I don't buy for a second that you enjoy having less money. For God's sake Niles, you were married to Maris!!
That photo frame was ,indeed, exquisite. I'm guessing you started a frantic quest to find a perfect photo.
Freddie came to visit a few weeks back. He misses you as well. You know he didn't got much chances of seeing you in the past. We took a lovely picture then. He has grown so much it makes me feel really old. I'm sending you a copy, perhaps you could put it in that frame of yours.
Dad and I want to go and visit you as soon as possible. We'll call you as soon as we can get a break from our jobs. Roz asked me if it'll be alright for her to come along. Don't panic, she doesn't want to see you particularly, I guess she just wants a vacation. Would that be ok?
I suppose that even if you didn't ask for Daphne, you still want to know how she is. If you don't, stop reading. Niles, I'm not sure why is it that she broke up with you. As far as I can tell, you don't know either, but she misses you. She tries to hide it, but it's plainly obvious. Have you even talked to her about what happened? I would hate to see you two suffering for nothing more than a misunderstanding. If you want my advice, you should write her a letter, asking for an explanation, before it is too late.
Besides that, she has a new job. Dad doesn't need a physical therapist anymore, but she still helps him with some exercises, and still lives with us.
You'll be hearing from us soon enough. Don't be a stranger.
Yours
Frasier"
Third item: The kettle
Daphne woke up two hours after everyone had left the house. She started to do it purposely, to be able to compose her self. She had a rough time starting her day.
She had a vision about the love of her life, right after Niles had propose. It was different from the rest of them, but she freaked out anyway. She considered ignoring it, as she had done with the one she had the night Donny propose, but then, she thought about Donny, and the harm she had caused him. She knew then that ignoring her visions was a mistake, and that Niles would get hurt if she lead him on. Even if the fact that her mystery man was holding a dragon didn't make sense at all. She put the kettle on the fire to prepare some tea. 'Funny' she thought 'that I'm having more trouble getting on with my life than he is.'
But she wasn't heartbroken, not entirely. The thing that bothered her the most was loosing his friendship. She was willing to end their relationship as a couple, she never thought how much it would hurt to loose him as a friend. And the fact that she loved him as much as she did only confused her. She wasn't even able to start dating again, feeling that she would be cheating on him, How would she ever find the love of her life?
And why on earth did she feel he was the one, if the visions didn't stop? In fact, after Niles had left, they came more often. She couldn't bring herself to believe she had made a mistake, because then, she would be to desperate to go on living. The whistle from the kettle brought her back to reality. She took a tray and set it on the dinner table and tried her best to cheer up before heading up for work. And she did, like she did every morning. After getting over the shock of waking up alone, her day would turn out just fine.
***
From the diary of Daphne Moon
March 8/2003
Today started as a good day. Regardless of the usual upsetting travel down memory lane in the morning. Mrs. Flanaghan was in a pretty nice mood. She's has quite a different disposition than Mr. Crane about her excercises. He's just a lazy old sod, but I love him. We chatted amiably about her son and daughters, and her grandchildren. She even showed me the pictures of the new baby. A lovely little girl, Agatha.
I mean, it was an ordinary day. Until Dr. Crane informed me of his decision to fly to Paris next week. He's so considerate. Even when he knows that I know there's no other reason for him to go there than to see Niles, he didn't mention his name. Oh, God Niles! If you could only know how much I miss you. I don't even care about my stupid visions anymore, but I've hurt you so much.
I'm sure that he must hate me. After almost two years with him, I learned about how he felt those seven years loving me from a far. I knew how much his heart would brake if I left him. And I did it non the less. I'm so stupid!
But I can't go back with him now, can I? He has a whole new life. I bet he even has a girlfriend. If I had a chance to explain, would I ignore my visions? I don't know. Right now, if I had him in front of me, I would probably attack him, kiss him like there's no tomorrow, an beg for his forgiveness. Well, what's done is done. I know that I have probably made the biggest mistake of my life, but I have to move on."
tbc
Disclaimer: Really, guys, if I'd own a television show such as Fraiser, (who belongs to the Grub street people, and to paramount, I think...) Would I be spending my time writing fan fiction? Don't sue, we already owe your country enough money as it is, to add the debt of a poor college student, who happens to live at the other end of the globe. (Did I mention, I'm not making any money out of this? I'm actually not making any money, period.)
Author's notes: So, I can't believe I'm actually posting this! This is certainly not my first fanfic, and I doubt that I'm ever posting another one. This one just came out so nice at the end, and my little brother wouldn't stop bothering me unless I did it, so there. I'm not sure if it's an original concept, I thought it was, anyway. I just hope someone, even if it's just one person, will be able to enjoy it as much as I did with some of the things I've read here. If it's no good, and you hate it, spare my feelings. I couldn't take that kind of rejection. If you love it though, please DO TELL!!!
Summary: Basically, this takes place a year after the episode "The proposal", everything else sort of explains itself. There are five parts to this story. Every part consist on three chapters, and every chapter has a part of the story told around an object, and a letter, or in any case, an extract of a journal. So I guess that's fifteen chapters :) Don't worry, they're not as long as the author's note is turning out to be, well...
Rating: PG, I guess.
Feedback to: evolution2476@yahoo.com (Only good one, please! No, kidding, there's nothing like constructive criticism.)
The perfect picture
by Konnie
PART 1
First item: The frame.
Niles sat at a table down one of many cafes in Paris. He still couldn't pick one he liked best. And he missed his lattes. Though the coffee here was good, it wasn't the same.
He didn't tell this to anyone, but the real reason he enjoyed antiques, was that they'd put him in a sort of trance. It was like traveling through time, and he could almost picture the original owners of each piece. He tried to imagine how their lives were, their hopes and dreams. It was almost a religious experience. He would some times fantasize about having a previous life. He didn't really believe in them, but it was a fun concept, and he would imagine finding something that had once belonged to him. If he really had believed in reincarnation, then what he found that day would have certainly belonged to him. Lets just say that once he put his eyes on that art deco picture frame, he had to have it. He didn't even minded how overpriced it was.
He ran his fingers through the motives, admiring it's work, and took a sip of his coffee.
***
"Dear Frasier:
I know I've been a little out of touch. I'm sorry, I hope you'll be able to forgive me. How is everybody? Is Dad still working? Is Eddie still alive? Has Roz made her way into the Guinness book of records yet?
My life is pretty much the same as the last time I wrote. No friends, no girlfriend. There are days that I think that if I see another college student I'll kill my self, but usually, everything's great.
I was at an antique fair this afternoon. I've found the most exquisite photo frame I've ever seen. It's such a beautiful piece, I bet you would love it. I took a picture of the frame, and attached it to the letter.
So, I'd spend the rest of the day going over all the photo albums I could find, trying to find the right picture for the frame. Either they were photos without any kind of sentimental value, or they had too much of an emotional baggage. I couldn't very well put a picture there, that would make me want to cry everytime I watch it.
Everytime I go to an antique fair, or the opera, or a museum, or basically anything I could possibly enjoy, I'm reminded of my life in Seattle. Especially nine out of those forty four years, the last nine. But after all this time, it's not with despair or unbearable pain that I remember, but a pleasant melancholy. I still have sleepless nights once in a while, trying to figure out how could I have made things right, but they get less frequent every day, and I'm sure some day they'll be over. But I have managed to pull my life together, and I like my life as it is now. I like teaching. I think I even like not having as much money as I used to. It puts things in perspective. It helps you see what really matters.
I didn't expect to stand living so far away from home, but I figured that the Atlantic in the middle would help me forget. I couldn't go to England to live, that was for sure. France was a good choice. One thing is certain, I'm still not so over Daphne to go out with anyone, and I'm guessing I'll never be. If a year away didn't do the trick, nothing will.
Please come to visit. I miss you all so much, and I haven't seen you in so long!
Your little brother
Niles."
Second item: The coffee table.
Frasier got up early that morning, and went to pick up his mail. An envelope caught his attention. He recognized the stylish handwriting of his brother and let out a smile. He didn't approve of running away of one's problems, but he was proud of Niles intents to get on with his life. He knew very well how much Daphne had hurt him, and he had expected him to fall apart. He was glad to be wrong. He still missed him a lot, but his departure turned out for the best. He left the letter on the coffee table, and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Ever since the brake up, Daphne started to sleep until late hours of the morning, so he was left to make his own breakfast, which he found to be and advantage instead of an inconvenience. Martin, followed closely by Eddie, came out of his room, and into his chair. He reached for the newspaper, and spotted the letter.
"Oh! Fraise, Niles wrote!" Fraiser popped his head out of the kitchen.
"Yes, Dad, I'm aware of that!"
"When was the last time we got a letter from him?"
"Uhm,...I think,...Yes, three months ago, when he started working on that university of his. He only writes when something important happens. Do you think he's getting married, or something?"
"Oh, no! I don't see that happening any time soon."
"Yeah, I guess your right. Well, lets read it before Daphne gets up, we don't want her walking around the house like a ghost like the last time."
Fraiser put a tray with the breakfast on the coffee table, sat on the couch and began reading out loud. It wasn't a very long letter, and they both agreed that the fact that Niles hardly wrote, or called, was merely because he was still hurt. They had both forgiven Daphne, and even welcomed back into their home once she left the Montana, but they didn't understand why she'd ended everything in the first place. Niles had just proposed to her, and she seemed happy, but over night, she decided to throw it all away without much explaining. She wasn't even mad with him. In fact, everytime he wrote, or called, she would get really upset. It was obvious that she missed him. It was also obvious that, if they didn't go to Paris, they wouldn't see him, since he had no intention of coming back, even for a short visit.
***
"Dear Niles:
Thanks for your letter. You should keep in touch, we all miss you a lot as well. I must confess I have a hard time imagining you as a professor. Do you really like it? I don't buy for a second that you enjoy having less money. For God's sake Niles, you were married to Maris!!
That photo frame was ,indeed, exquisite. I'm guessing you started a frantic quest to find a perfect photo.
Freddie came to visit a few weeks back. He misses you as well. You know he didn't got much chances of seeing you in the past. We took a lovely picture then. He has grown so much it makes me feel really old. I'm sending you a copy, perhaps you could put it in that frame of yours.
Dad and I want to go and visit you as soon as possible. We'll call you as soon as we can get a break from our jobs. Roz asked me if it'll be alright for her to come along. Don't panic, she doesn't want to see you particularly, I guess she just wants a vacation. Would that be ok?
I suppose that even if you didn't ask for Daphne, you still want to know how she is. If you don't, stop reading. Niles, I'm not sure why is it that she broke up with you. As far as I can tell, you don't know either, but she misses you. She tries to hide it, but it's plainly obvious. Have you even talked to her about what happened? I would hate to see you two suffering for nothing more than a misunderstanding. If you want my advice, you should write her a letter, asking for an explanation, before it is too late.
Besides that, she has a new job. Dad doesn't need a physical therapist anymore, but she still helps him with some exercises, and still lives with us.
You'll be hearing from us soon enough. Don't be a stranger.
Yours
Frasier"
Third item: The kettle
Daphne woke up two hours after everyone had left the house. She started to do it purposely, to be able to compose her self. She had a rough time starting her day.
She had a vision about the love of her life, right after Niles had propose. It was different from the rest of them, but she freaked out anyway. She considered ignoring it, as she had done with the one she had the night Donny propose, but then, she thought about Donny, and the harm she had caused him. She knew then that ignoring her visions was a mistake, and that Niles would get hurt if she lead him on. Even if the fact that her mystery man was holding a dragon didn't make sense at all. She put the kettle on the fire to prepare some tea. 'Funny' she thought 'that I'm having more trouble getting on with my life than he is.'
But she wasn't heartbroken, not entirely. The thing that bothered her the most was loosing his friendship. She was willing to end their relationship as a couple, she never thought how much it would hurt to loose him as a friend. And the fact that she loved him as much as she did only confused her. She wasn't even able to start dating again, feeling that she would be cheating on him, How would she ever find the love of her life?
And why on earth did she feel he was the one, if the visions didn't stop? In fact, after Niles had left, they came more often. She couldn't bring herself to believe she had made a mistake, because then, she would be to desperate to go on living. The whistle from the kettle brought her back to reality. She took a tray and set it on the dinner table and tried her best to cheer up before heading up for work. And she did, like she did every morning. After getting over the shock of waking up alone, her day would turn out just fine.
***
From the diary of Daphne Moon
March 8/2003
Today started as a good day. Regardless of the usual upsetting travel down memory lane in the morning. Mrs. Flanaghan was in a pretty nice mood. She's has quite a different disposition than Mr. Crane about her excercises. He's just a lazy old sod, but I love him. We chatted amiably about her son and daughters, and her grandchildren. She even showed me the pictures of the new baby. A lovely little girl, Agatha.
I mean, it was an ordinary day. Until Dr. Crane informed me of his decision to fly to Paris next week. He's so considerate. Even when he knows that I know there's no other reason for him to go there than to see Niles, he didn't mention his name. Oh, God Niles! If you could only know how much I miss you. I don't even care about my stupid visions anymore, but I've hurt you so much.
I'm sure that he must hate me. After almost two years with him, I learned about how he felt those seven years loving me from a far. I knew how much his heart would brake if I left him. And I did it non the less. I'm so stupid!
But I can't go back with him now, can I? He has a whole new life. I bet he even has a girlfriend. If I had a chance to explain, would I ignore my visions? I don't know. Right now, if I had him in front of me, I would probably attack him, kiss him like there's no tomorrow, an beg for his forgiveness. Well, what's done is done. I know that I have probably made the biggest mistake of my life, but I have to move on."
tbc