A/N: This is the sixth installment of this series of romantic short stories about Niles and Daphne that I have written in AU form to have them interact in every single episode (even when they had no scenes together!). Five more of these will follow, but since they all will eventually, if not sooner, fit together in some way, like pieces to a puzzle, it might help to read Part 1 first. Each story represents a season (this one being Season 6) and each episode is a chapter title. Thanks for reading!

(Niles' POV)

Niles could hardly stand to see his brother in such a depressive state. Ever since Frasier was fired from KACL (Along with Roz and everyone else), he was going through stages as though he'd suffered a real loss. And essentially, he had. He'd gone from arguably the most popular radio personality in Seattle to an unemployed psychiatrist. And now the reality of that loss had taken its toll.

While Frasier sobbed, Niles went to his older brother and led him to the sofa.

"What'd you do that for? You're just making it worse!" His father scolded, clearly annoyed with Niles' tactics. But Niles was determined to stand his ground.

"No, no Dad… He needed a push." Niles explained.

"But look at him! This can't be good." His father continued.

"Oh, it is good." Niles corrected. "Let it all out, Frasier. Let it all out."

His brother flopped onto the sofa and sobbed even harder. It pained Niles to see Frasier this way, but it was for his own good. Still it didn't stop him from putting his arms securely around his brother and rubbing his back. It may have done little to ease Frasier's pain but Niles hoped that deep down Frasier would realize just how much Niles loved him. And perhaps this was all that Frasier needed, despite their father's concerns. But truth be told, Niles' own concerns were beginning to surface.

"Okay, Frasier. That's probably enough for now." Niles urged as gently as possible. But something was wrong. It wasn't working at all. His words of encouragement were of no use. And it almost seemed as though Frasier's sobs were increasing; a fact that was more than disturbing.

"How much more can be in there?" His father shouted. Niles had never heard such concern from his father before; even in their darkest hours and that was cause for alarm.

But he was determined to remain calm. However, it did little to ease his fears. Something was terribly wrong. This wasn't like Frasier; not at all. Niles increased his hold on his brother, and rubbed Frasier's back even more determinedly.

"Okay, Frasier. That's enough." But his heart was racing. Dear God… "I don't think I can get him to stop." He admitted.

"Get him a sandwich!" His father yelled. Immediately all eyes turned to Daphne, who stood frozen, watching Niles try to comfort his brother. She huffed and then turned on her heels without saying a word and retreated into the kitchen.

"This is sickening!" His father said.

"He's suffered a terrible loss, Dad." Niles said for lack of anything better to say. "It's going to take time to get over this."

"You know…" Daphne began. Once more, all eyes turned to her, noticing the sandwich she was holding on a plate. "My Grammy Moon used to say…"

"Aw geez, what are you trying to do to him, Daphne? Kill him?" Niles father yelled.

She gasped, her face registering hurt at his words. And then anger. "Don't blame this on me!" She yelled. "It's Roz's fault!"

"MY fault?" Roz spat. "Daphne, how could you?"

"You brought over that bloody video tape!" Daphne retorted, referring to the tape that Roz had brought over of Frasier babysitting Alice and the disturbing scene that had occurred. "And I've seen your baby! She could stand to lose a few pounds!"

"You're one to talk, Daphne!" Roz shouted. "You're not exactly a supermodel, you know!"

Daphne's mouth fell open, as did Niles. And it wasn't hard to see the way that Daphne was biting back tears. "Are you saying that I'm fat?" She yelled.

"If the sandwich fits!" Roz shot back.
Daphne gasped in horror and grabbed the plate containing the sandwich. "Make your own bloody food, you fat cow!" She screamed, storming into the kitchen. In the distance, the sound of the cabinets opening and closing could be heard along with the water running. For a moment no one said a word and they just looked at one another.

Niles knew that he should continue to comfort his brother, but at the moment there was someone who needed him more.

He retreated toward the kitchen where, just as he guessed, he found Daphne leaning against the sink; a dishtowel pressed against her face. He entered carefully, not wanting to disturb her. But as it stood, she probably wouldn't have noticed his entrance at all. He moved toward her and put his hand on her back. Almost immediately, she whirled around and cried harder, falling against him. And there was nothing left to do but to put his arms around her.

He held her close, rubbing her back as she cried against his shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane! I didn't mean the things I said! Allice isn't fat and neither is Roz. It's not her fault and it's not your brother's either. I'm just… so worried!"

"I know, Daphne. I know." Niles said soothingly, his hand moving up and down her back. "Everything will be all right."

She moved out of his arms and looked at him. "Are you sure?"

He sighed deeply. He hated to lie to her; he just couldn't do it. And so he answered as truthfully as possible.

"No, actually; I'm not. But I'm going to do everything I can to make it so."

She hugged him tighter, as though she didn't want to let go. And he certainly didn't want her to.