He wasn't sure what had awakened him first; the blaring alarm clock, the sunlight that filled his bedroom, or the lingering memories of a most wonderful dream. At least he thought it was a dream, but never before had a dream felt so real. Perhaps…. He sighed deeply. It didn't matter anyway. Reluctantly he pushed the dream or whatever it was from his mind and began to dress for work. He had no time for silly fantasies or dreams today. He had patients to see and loads of paperwork to catch up on. It was definitely going to be a busy day.

That turned out to be an understatement. By the time 10:15 rolled around, he was more grateful than he'd ever been. The trip to Café Nervosa to see Frasier would certainly give him a welcome break. At 10:30 he walked into the café and smiled at the familiar gesture; a wave from his brother. Strangely he was sitting at the table by the window. It wasn't like his brother to sit at the same table for two days in a row. The coveted table was hard to come by. But today seemed to be Frasier's lucky day.

"Niles, over here!" Frasier called to him.

Niles smiled and waved back before joining Frasier at the table.

"Niles, how nice to see you." Frasier said in greeting.

"Um, thank you." Niles said, immediately wondering what was going on. Frasier was unusually upbeat. "It's nice to see you too." He caught the attention of a nearby barista and ordered his usual drink. "Now, make sure that there's only a whisper of cinnamon, do you understand?" He could almost feel Frasier rolling his eyes, but he purposely ignored him and focused his attention on the barista. Her hand trembled as she scribbled the information on her order pad. "Yes sir. I'll make sure that it's done to your… specifications."

He scoffed, wondering if she was a new employee. They always seemed to mix up his order. He watched as she turned to the couple at the next table. "What can I get you?"

"Oh, just plain tea with cinnamon." The woman replied.

Niles was repulsed. What was wrong with people? He stared at the woman for a moment and then at the man who sat across from her. There was something-

"Niles, are you all right?"

He looked over sharply, brought out of his thoughts. "What?"

"You seem distracted by that couple. Do you know them?"

"No, of course not. Why do you ask?"

"Well because you keep staring at them and we both know that staring is rude!"

Niles scoffed. "Well thank you for the lecture, Frasier! I'll have you know that I'm a grown man and I don't need-."

"I'm sorry Niles. I-."

Once again, Niles turned to look at the couple at the next table.

"Niles!"

"What?"

"What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

"Do you know those people?"

"Well no, but-."

"Then why do you keep staring at them?"

"Weren't they here yesterday?"

"What?"

"That man and that woman. They were in here yesterday sitting at that same table, wearing the same clothes."

"Niles…"

"No, really! He was wearing that same green golf shirt and she had on a yellow dress, just like that one!"

"Niles, don't point for God's sake!"

But Niles ignored Frasier yet again and scratched his head. "They ordered the same drink! Plain tea with cinnamon!"

"So? You order the same drink every time we come in here as well! It's not a crime!"

"I just don't understand why people would wear the same clothing two days in a row."

"We weren't even here yesterday so how would you know that?"

"What? Of course I was here! And so were you! Don't you remember?"

"I think you've had too many sherrys. Now I don't have a lot of time so if we're going to talk, let's talk, all right?"

"Of course. How are things?"

"Great, Niles. Just great. Dad is driving me crazy and Daphne is-."

Suddenly Niles' heart warmed at the sound of the name of the enchanting home health care specialist. Her sweet smile and chestnut brown hair made him smile.

"Right, how is Daphne?"

"She's… fine. It's nice of you to ask."

"Tell her that I said hello, all right?"

"Well, okay, but you haven't even met her. Don't you think that would be kind of strange, my giving a message to her from someone she's never met?"

"Oh Frasier, that's absurd! Of course I've met her! I met her last night!"

"Niles, what are you talking about?"

"I know that you're older than I am but your mind can't be going that quickly! Don't you remember? I met her last night! In your living room!"

"Perhaps you need a psychiatrist instead of seeing patients."

Niles put down his latte and stared at his brother in disbelief. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you've gone completely crazy! You should be a caller on my show!"

Niles' mouth fell open and he stood to begin gathering his briefcase and coat. "I didn't come here to be treated like some-."

Frasier reached out his hand. "All right, Niles. I'm sorry. Please stay. I was just surprised when you mentioned meeting Daphne last night. Are you sure you met her in my living room?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure." He would remember that moment for as long as he lived.

"Well I think you're mistaken but it's quite possible that you met somewhere else."

"What are you talking about?"

"She did mention something about going out for a while."

"Right, to play poker."

"Poker? Oh Niles, that's ridiculous. Daphne doesn't… and how would you know that anyway?"

"You were right there!" Niles said, doing his best to keep his voice from rising. "You heard her say that she was going to play poker. She walked right past us. She was wearing a red coat!"

"A red coat?"

"Are you going to repeat everything I say?"

"No, I just-Niles are you sure you're all right?"

"Why do you keep asking me that? I'm the one who should be asking you. I can't believe you don't remember!"

"Remember what, Niles?"

"About my meeting Daphne! You introduced us!"

"You must have imagined meeting her, but now that you mention it, there's something that I've been meaning to ask you."

"Yes?"

"Since you haven't met her formally and yes, I'm quite sure that you haven't, why don't you come over tonight around eight and I'll introduce you. We'll even take Dad out for dinner!"

Niles' eyebrows rose. "Dinner again? But we just-."

"What?"

"We just took Dad to dinner last night! I still have the rest of my tie that-."

This time it was Frasier who laughed out loud. "Last night? Oh Niles, don't be ridiculous! We haven't gone to a restaurant with Dad in months!"

"But last night-."

"Go home, Niles. Get some sleep. And while you're at home, ask Maris if she'd like to join us."

"Maris? But why?"

"Well, she's family, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is, but-."

"So you'll ask her?"

"Of course Frasier, but-."

Frasier looked at his watch. "So come over tonight around eight, all right?"

It only took one memory of the beautiful Englishwoman to give Frasier his answer. "Of course I'll be there. At eight o'clock."

When he returned to the office, he threw himself into his work while trying to make sense of the day's events. There was something very strange going on. Perhaps Frasier taking Dad into his home wasn't such a good idea after all. That thought brought with it the feelings of guilt that Niles had experienced so often since he'd gotten the news of his father lying on the bathroom floor. He was perfectly capable of moving his father into the mansion where he lived with Maris, but he chose not to, based on the fact that his Dad and Maris didn't get along at all. But he chose to push away his guilt for the moment anyway.

Once he arrived home, he changed into his best suit-a dark one this time-and his most distinguished tie. He glanced into the mirror and smiled. He hadn't looked this good in a long time. Maris was sure to-

Maris!

Dear God, he'd all but completely forgotten about her! His eyes moved to his closed bedroom door. Just across the hall was his wife's room. He'd promised Frasier that he'd ask Maris to accompany him to dinner with Dad and Frasier. But did he really have to keep that promise? He knew without a doubt that neither Frasier nor his dad cared about Maris and it would be of some relief for both of them if Niles were to show up for dinner alone. He knew Frasier's feelings about Maris all too well, from the look that Frasier had given him last night when Niles told him that Maris was having an episode and wasn't able to join them.

Last night… There was something very odd about that. How could he remember meeting Daphne so vividly while Frasier had no recollection of it? Was it a dream? A premonition? No, it wasn't possible. He thought it was odd when Frasier had told him that Daphne was psychic but he didn't believe in such nonsense. The notion was completely ridiculous. Perhaps he could use some time off from work.

He crossed the hallway and knocked on Maris' door. "Maris, honey? It's Niles. May I come in?"

When there was no answer he quietly opened the door and walked inside. She was in bed, reading a book, almost obvious to his presence. He moved closer to her.

"Maris, I know it's short notice, but Frasier wanted me to ask you if you'd like to accompany myself, Dad and Frasier to dinner tonight. And you can meet Daphne!" The sound of her name on his lips was like a song and he looked away, hoping that Maris hadn't noticed the rise in his voice.

"I'm not-."

"It's all right." He said a bit too quickly. "I understand. Well, I won't be late and I'll send Frasier and Dad your regrets."

Without waiting for a response, he closed the door, feeling strangely relieved.

Later when he arrived at the Elliott Bay Towers, he found that he was there much earlier than expected. He considered waiting in the car, but something told him to go inside the building. As he did so, he experienced a strange case of déjà vu. The lobby was exactly the way it had been the night before, right down to the people and their clothing. He recognized the man who stood by the elevator talking to another man as well as the woman who sat on the sofa in the corner reading a book. But he'd never paid attention to people in the lobby of Frasier's building before. Perhaps Frasier was right. Niles made a mental note to cut down on his intake of sherry.

He took a deep breath and pushed the elevator button, grateful when the doors opened and he found no one inside. The ride to the nineteenth floor seemed to take forever and when the doors opened yet again, he dashed into the hallway. He found himself standing in front of his brother's door, knowing that an angel was on the other side.

Something, he wasn't certain what it was, made him pull his cell phone from his jacket pocket and dial Frasier's number. The phone was answered quickly.

"Hello?"

"Frasier? It's me, Niles."

"Yes. Well, hello, Niles."

"Would it be all right if I came up early?"

"Of course! Dad and I will be waiting!"

Niles froze… No, it wasn't possible. She couldn't possibly be- "Don't forget Daphne!"

Frasier laughed. "Of course not. She's here as well."

Another sigh of relief escaped him. "Great. I'll see you soon."

Just like the phone the door was answered almost immediately after Niles rang the doorbell.

"Niles, come on in!"

"Hello, Frasier. I-." Niles stopped in his tracks and looked Frasier up and down.

"Something wrong?"

"No, I just… weren't you wearing that same suit and tie last night?"

"Dear God Niles, not this again! There's no way that you were here last night and no I'm not wearing the same clothes! I was on a date for God's sake, all right?"

Frasier paused and regarded Niles carefully. "Where's Maris?"

Niles bit his lip to keep from smiling. "She couldn't make it."

"Oh well that's too bad. I'm sorry, Niles."

"I am … too. We… I mean I am really looking forward to seeing Daphne again."

"Again?"

"You mean meeting Daphne, don't you?"

"Well…"

"All right, since you are so adamant about it, I'll introduce you right now. Daphne, this is my brother Niles."

Niles' eyes traveled across the living room to the vision that stood by the kitchen table. Once again she was folding a basket of laundry, wearing a smile. Dear God, more laundry? Had Frasier no shame, making her do the same chore two days in a row? And then he noticed that like Frasier, Daphne was wearing the same clothes that she'd been wearing the day before. The oversized denim shirt, black leggings and small black shoes that looked like ballet shoes.

His heart began to pound in his chest and a somewhat magical force carried him across the room toward her.

When they were inches apart, he extended his hand. Strangely he was even more nervous than he'd been the night before, if in fact, the night before had actually happened.

"Hello, I'm Niles Crane." He stammered for what felt like the second time.

"Hello, I'm-."

"Daphne." He finished.

She smiled. "Yes, that's me. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Crane."

"Um, Daphne… Niles is a psychiatrist like myself so you can address him as Doctor."

A tinge of annoyance came over Niles and he turned to glare at his brother. "Frasier, that's not necessary. Daphne can call me whatever she wants!" He turned back to her angelic face and sighed. "She can even call me Niles!"

But she shook her head. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of calling you buy your first name, Dr. Crane! We've only just met! I-." She stared at him for a moment and then covered his hand with both of hers, sending a shiver up his spine. "Wait a minute, I'm getting something…"

"A psychic vision?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Why yes, how did you know?"

"Yes, Niles, how did you know?"

Niles shrugged at his brother's question. "Lucky guess!"

"It certainly was, Dr. Crane!" Daphne replied.

"Well, that's quite impressive, Niles. Because as a matter of fact, Daphne claims to be psychic. We've decided to find it charming."

"It certainly is." Niles replied absently, unable to take his eyes off of her face. "That and… um… Daphne? What's this physic vision you're getting?"

"Well, I'm not sure but it's about you."

He feigned surprise. "Me? Really?"

"Yes, I felt it the moment I touched your hand."

"Really…"

"It sounds strange but I feel like we've met before."

He could hardly contain his grin and resisted the urge to look at Frasier, who was surely taken aback. "You do? Well, that's funny because I was just saying the same thing to Frasier earlier today and-."

"NILES!" Frasier yelled, startling Niles out of his thoughts.

"It's impossible though, isn't it?" Daphne went on. "I mean, I've only been living here for three weeks and Dr. Crane-."

"I know…"

"It's so strange…"

"Yes, but in a good way, I hope."

She squeezed his hand. "Of course. I'm so happy to meet you, Dr. Crane." She squeezed his hand a second time, making him feel as though he could fly.

"W-Will you be joining us for dinner?"

"I'm afraid not. I have a date."

His heart sank. "A-a date?"

"Yes, with me girlfriends. We're going to play poker."

"Poker…" He repeated.

"It's all in fun. No one ever loses more than two hundred dollars."

"Two hundred dollars?"

She shrugged. "Well, sometimes more sometimes less, but it's all in fun. I always win it back eventually."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, removing a couple of crisp one hundred dollar bills which he handed to her.

"What's this?"

"Just in case…"

"Oh Dr. Crane, no. I can't accept your money. When I said that about the two hundred dollars, I wasn't trying to-."

"Please, take it. I insist."

Her worried eyes moved to Frasier and then back to Niles. "I-."

"Please…" he repeated.

"Well, all right. But I'll pay you back, I promise."

"No hurry. Take your time."

"Thank you." She said, surprising him with a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you so much."

"It was my pleasure."

"Well, I need to get going. Just let me get my coat and I'll be on my way."

Before Frasier could make a move, Niles dashed to the corner where her red jacket hung on the wall and carefully removed it. "Is this the one, Daphne?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact it is, Dr. Crane! You're very perceptive!"

He held her coat in his hands and moved toward her. "May I?"

She nodded and he helped her slip the coat around her arms and shoulders. As he turned he caught a familiar scent. It was subtle yet strong enough that he was momentarily caught off guard. It seemed so… familiar.

"Well, I'm off." She said, grabbing her purse. "Wish me luck!"

"Good luck!" Niles called to her.

As the door was about to close behind her she turned to him. "Thank you again, Dr. Crane! Have fun at your dinner!"

He stood staring at the door long after she was gone.

"Niles, are you coming?"

The sound of Frasier's voice broke into his thoughts yet again and he whirled around. "What? Oh, yes. Sorry, I-."

"Well, come on!"

"To Le Cigar Valont!"

"We won't be going there tonight!" Frasier snapped.

"Why not?"

"Because we lost our reservation, no thanks to you!"

"Me? What did I do?"

"I thought your conversation with Daphne would never end! And what is wrong with you giving her two hundred dollars to play poker? Are you some kind of imbecile?"

His mouth fell open. "I-."

"And as for your conversation, I thought it would never end!"

"What does that mean?"

"It means that you two were going on like old friends! It was just supposed to be a simple introduction!"

"Aw, come on Frasier, leave him alone!" Martin said. "You should be happy that Niles and Daphne got along so well! After all, he's paying half of her salary, isn't he?"

Niles mood brightened. "That's right, I do, don't I?" The statement was more of a reminder to Niles than anything and he instantly felt even better about giving her the money.

"We'll continue this conversation at dinner." Frasier said. "I'm starved. And since we've lost our reservation, we'll have to pick somewhere else."

"I know!" Martin shouted. "Let's go to the Timber Mill!"

"Sounds great!" Niles said, ignoring the annoyed look on Frasier's face. "Dad, really? The Timber Mill?"

"Well, I was willing to go to your place!"

"You know what, Frasier? The Timber Mill sounds great!" Niles said, trying his best to sound enthusiastic.

"Come on, Fras. Let's go!"

"You know Dad... now that I think about it; a good old-fashioned steak sounds great!"

As they walked out of Frasier's condo, Niles quickly removed his tie and placed it carefully in his pocket for safekeeping-until after dinner.

Just in case.

(A/N: This is not the end! There's more to come!)