A/N: This is the third installment of a series of romantic stories about Niles and Daphne, written in AU form, allowing them to interact in every episode. Eight more will follow, and eventually, every chapter of every story will all fit together, like pieces to a puzzle, thus creating a running series about how they met and fell in love. Each story represents one season of Frasier (This one being Season 3) and each chapter is an episode title.
(Niles' POV)
When the door opened, Niles' heart skipped a beat. Before him stood an angel, looking so beautiful that she took his breath away. In her hand was Eddie's leash, indictating that she was about to leave. He smiled shyly, looking her up and down. "Hello Daphne. Where are you off to?"
"Oh, I'm taking Eddie for a walk."
His eyebrows rose. "By yourself?"
She shrugged, as though going out alone was the most natural thing in the world. "Sure, why not?"
He reached into his coat pocket and retrieved his latest purchase. "Well, you might want to bring along one of these."
She looked at the small gun that he held proudly in his hand. "A starter's pistol?"
"Yes, I-."
To his horror, she began to laugh hysterically, bringing a feeling of inferiority; a feeling he never imagined that such an angel as Daphne Moon could produce. But she was still laughing as she walked out the door. Instantly he regretted his purchase and the decision to show it to her. He had no idea that she would react in such a manner and it pained his soul. He was only trying to make her proud of him, even if it was out of pure selfishness.
He then turned to his father, who was shaking his head in disbelief. Martin Crane needed no words to let his youngest son know that he had been disappointed by the youngest Crane once again. "I know it's unusual Dad, but as long as Maris thinks that it's real, it makes her feel safe and secure. But it's not loaded of course. I-."
The gun went off, startling him so badly that he jumped on to the sofa. His father looked badly shaken and Niles' heart was racing like mad. Seconds later the door opened, sending Niles jumping back onto the carpeted floor. But the sight did little to slow his heartbeat, and instead made it increase.
"Daphne..."
She was crying. His angel was crying. He laid the gun on the coffee table, forgetting all about its existence and went to her at once. But he was stunned when she threw her arms around him.
"D-Daphne, what's wrong? What's happened?"
She pulled out of his arms and looked at him tearfully. "I should be asking you the same thing. I was about to get on the elevator when I heard the gun go off! I thought..." She began to sob, prompting him to pull her closer, and she cried on his suit.
Never before had he felt such guilt.
His hand moved gently across her back, his fingers running through her hair that felt like spun silk. "It's all right. The gun went off by mistake. I-I didn't think it was loaded. But I'm fine. And Dad's fine. We're just a little shaken up and-."
She was looking directly at him now, her brown eyes staring into his eyes of blue. "I don't want to lose you, Dr. Crane."
The words made his heart sing and he hugged her once more. "You won't, Daphne. I promise."
Slowly she drew back a second time and looked at him, grasping his hands in hers. "Promise me something. Please."
"Of course, Daphne. Anything."
"Promise me that you'll be careful with that gun. I meant what I said. I don't want to lose you. And I'm so sorry."
"What could you possibly be sorry about?"
"For laughing at you, Dr. Crane. I'm flattered that you wanted to protect me. But I want to protect you too. I care about you... so much."
"Thank you,Daphne. I care about you too. Your concern means the world to me. And so do you."
The gentle kiss she placed on his cheek made his heart soar yet again. And as he held her tightly, he vowed to return to the store where he'd puchased the gun and get a full refund. Maris' safety was important to him, but now his own safety was of an even greater importance.
