The Second Time:
So, it was a selfish thing to do. It was probably one of the most selfish things he had ever done in his life, but what could he do? He couldn't let her go out with Joe. Not that he was a bad guy or anything, but he just couldn't let her do it. So, the lie was a blessing, he believed. She would understand sooner or later learn that Joe, though a great person, was not the man for her.
Then, would that make Niles the man for her? Yes, definitely. He believed wholeheartedly that they belonged together. But, he was still married, even if he was separated. Could he really leave Maris for Daphne? Well, that all depended on whether or not Daphne felt the same way.
Niles waited in the bathroom for Daphne, silently cursing Frasier for calling her in here. He knew his brother was right, though. It wasn't fair to keep Daphne from a nice relationship. It wasn't fair to himself, either, but what he wanted didn't matter. If he really loved her, he would want her to be happy.
"You've got a spot on your tie," she said with a smile and began dabbing at it with a small cloth.
How was he supposed to tell the truth when she was so close? He felt as if he was either going to faint or lean in and kiss her. Fainting would make her panic. Kissing her would make her panic, and possibly, hate him. So, if either of those two were options, he would want the former. As long as he didn't hit the toilet or floor too hard.
Regaining his composure, Niles went into his explanation. Joe never did any of those things, and she should go out with him, no matter how much he didn't want that.
Frasier told him to tell her the truth, and he wanted to. He wanted to let her know that he made up that story because of his own petty feelings. But, she would hate him. She would reject his love and hate him for keeping her from Joe.
He silently prayed for a way out of this, and that was when Bruce came in. Talk about a lifesaver!
He just had to patch things up with Joe, and everything would be set. They would go out, love each other, possibly get married… have kids. And Niles was feeling faint again when he saw Daphne open the bathroom door and smile at Joe when he asked her out again.
It was a good thing he didn't tell her. Why give her such a big burden to carry? Why complicate things? Maybe she one day she'll realize her feelings, maybe not, but all Niles knew was they made a spark, and whatever that spark contained, it was magical.