Author's Note: It seems that I am still being inspired by "Designated Writer." I can't seem to get "What Are You Doing The Rest of My Life?" out of my head. I had an idea to do my own version of a scene from that story, and it sort of snowballed on me. It is set sometime in Season 3, shortly after Niles has moved into the Montana.
Niles looked around his new apartment, and he knew he should be happy. He'd gotten free of Maris, and he'd moved into the Montana. It was one of the most elite apartment buildings in Seattle, even above Elliot Bay Towers. Unlike the mansion he'd shared with Maris, Niles was free to decorate this place as he saw fit. But still, it just wasn't enough.
Gradually, Niles realized that he missed certain things from his old life. Not Maris, of course, or the staff of servants she'd insisted on keeping around to wait on her. But he'd found a somewhat comfortable routine, and it made his new home a bit lonely when he realized he was completely on his own. One of the small pleasures of his old life was playing the piano. On weekends, Niles loved to sit and play a piece or two. Of course, his wife never complimented his technique, or even acknowledged his playing in any way. She would sit, absorbed in one of her paintings, but Niles knew she could hear him. If she hadn't enjoyed the sound, he knew she would not hesitate to make him stop. So even that tiny sense of approval from Maris had made him feel that maybe, deep down, she did love him. But of course time had shown him that he'd been mistaken.
Still, his love for music would not go away, and even an expensive stereo system, loaded with classical music CD's could not satisfy him. Since most of the contents of the mansion had gone to Maris, including the piano, Niles knew he had only one option. He had to buy a new piano of his own. Luckily, he was able to get one at a fairly decent price through an acquaintance in his wine club. Playing it made him realize how he loved this. He was flooded with memories of hours spent alongside Frasier, learning to play some of the greatest music ever written. For a time, Niles was overjoyed. But even the thrill of making music could not cover up the real problem. He was still alone. Daphne was still completely unaware of his feelings. But perhaps all he needed to do was combine the two things he now had, and then he would be able to make his dream come true. He could use his years of piano training and ear for music to woo the woman he loved.
His heart pounded as he got out of his car after parking it in Elliot Bay Tower's parking structure. He would not allow his nerves to change his mind. Before he knew it, he was standing outside his brother's door. Here goes nothing, he thought as he knocked.
"Hello, Dr. Crane!" Daphne smiled at him warmly.
"You're looking lovely today."
As always, Daphne blushed. "Thank you. That's awfully sweet of you to say. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but your brother isn't home. He went to a meeting down at the station."
"I'm not disappointed, Daphne. I came here to see you."
"You did?" Daphne asked, suddenly nervous.
"Yes. You see, I just bought a new piano for my apartment."
"Oh, that's lovely. I know how much you love to play."
Niles nodded. "Yes, but it seems that I miss having an audience. Playing by myself isn't quite the same as playing while Maris is in the room ignoring me. I know it goes against all logic, but it seems to be true nevertheless."
"Oh. Well, I've heard you play on Dr. Crane's piano, and I think you play beautifully."
Niles' heart warmed instantly at her compliment. "Thank you. I was hoping you'd say that, because I would love to play for you sometime. If you're free, that is."
"Really? Well, that would be lovely."
"How about tomorrow night?"
"All right. Will you be eating dinner with us?"
"I would, but I have a great deal of paperwork to catch up on. But I should be done by, say...eight-thirty." Technically, this was true, but his primary reason for staying home was that he did not want Frasier to interfere with his evening with Daphne.
Daphne nodded. "Eight-thirty it is then."
For a moment, Niles could only stand there, frozen in disbelief. He'd actually managed to ask Daphne to come and hear him play. It wasn't exactly a date, but it was a step in the right direction.