It seemed both Mr. Crane and Dr. Crane were in no hurry to get home. Though Daphne ordinarily enjoyed the quiet when she was alone in the apartment, she was grateful for Baby's company. The bird readily ate some of the birdseed Niles had left. "You're such a sweet bird. I can see why Dr. Crane likes you so much," Daphne said as she stroked his soft feathers.
"Ark! Daphne's beautiful."
She blushed automatically at the compliment. Then she realized, this wasn't even a person she was talking to. Birds didn't spontaneously speak like humans. They repeated things they heard. Which meant...
For some reason, Daphne began to feel nervous. "He thinks I'm beautiful." Daphne said the words more to herself than to Baby. This news was not in itself surprising. Dr. Crane complimented her every day. But to know he said the same in the privacy of his own home was another thing entirely. She went to sit on the couch so she could think. After a few deep breaths, Daphne began to feel calmer. "This is silly. Just because he says I'm beautiful, there's no reason to be so scared. It isn't as if Dr. Crane actually loves me!"
"Ark! Daphne's an angel!"
"An angel?!" Daphne repeated. That was certainly not a word a man would use to describe a woman he thought of strictly as a friend. Her earlier nervousness returned in full force. She picked up the cover Dr. Crane had given her for the birdcage. It was intended to help Baby sleep. "I'm sorry to do this to you, but I need some time to think," Daphne said as she put it over Baby's cage.
How could I not have noticed all this time that Dr. Crane's in love with me?! He'd always been a friend, a very good friend. But friendship and love were two very different things. The more Daphne thought about it, the more confused she became. She jumped when the door to the apartment opened.
"Daphne, are you all right?" The elder Dr. Crane looked at her with concern.
"Your brother's in love with me, isn't he?" Daphne stood at once.
The question caught Frasier off-guard. He had no idea how to respond.
"Well, I guess you've answered me question," Daphne said when she saw his reaction. "Why didn't he ever tell me?"
"How did you find out?" Frasier asked, momentarily ignoring her question.
"From the bird. She said I was beautiful, and...an angel. At first, I was flattered, but then I realized she must've heard it from him. I'm not sure what to do, and your brother's flight's probably already left!"
"Now, Daphne, don't panic. His flight's only two hours. And he'll be home the day after tomorrow. This will give you time to think." He smiled at her, hoping she would be comforted.
"I suppose you're right. I do care about your brother, but I'm not really sure if I could ever be with him...that way. I mean, he is your brother."
Frasier walked toward her and hugged her unexpectedly. "I know I haven't always been very supportive of Niles and his feelings for you, but if you decide he makes you happy, then I won't stand in your way."
Daphne pulled out of the embrace, surprised by what he said. "Well, thank you, Dr. Crane. Do you think you and your father could manage to get your own dinner tonight?"
"Yes, I imagine we could. Later, if you need to talk, well...you know my motto!" Frasier grinned at her.
"Thank you." Before she could stop herself, she hugged him. Then, she turned around and began walking toward her room. She knew sleep wasn't going to come easily. There was far too much to think about.