(Daphne's POV)

She couldn't look at the microwave; not without reliving the horrible memory of what she called The Muckabee Incident. Just the thought of it made her shudder. Mr. Crane had finally calmed down, but he still wasn't speaking to her; unless she spoke to him first. And even then it was hardly what she'd call a conversation.

She tried not to let it bother her, but it bothered her. It bothered her a lot. Oh, why did she have to be so bloody stupid and put his shoes in the microwave? And why did that damn store have to move? She'd never be able to find it and she wasn't about to go marching over to where it used to be if it meant kissing that disgusting homeless man. Once again she shuddered at that thought.

"Hello, Daphne."

She gasped, so startled by the sound of his voice that she very nearly screamed. "Bloody hell, Dr. Crane, you scared the life out of me!"

His mouth fell open and she could tell that he was remorseful. But her heart was on her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "It's all right. I didn't mean to scare you. I just didn't realize that you were here."

"I know I shouldn't have just come in. I just… I needed someone to talk to."

She smiled, her anger melting immediately and she reached for his hand, taking note of the way he gasped softly. He was such a sweet man, and it was probably hard for him, being in the presence of a woman, even if that woman were she and they were the best of friends. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Dr. Crane. Your brother's not here and your father…"

Her pause caused his expression to change to one of worry and she regretted it imminently. "Oh damn… I'm just always ruining everything, aren't I?"

"Daphne, please don't say that! I'm sorry I startled you. But… Dad's all right, isn't he?"

She smiled, willing her silly tears away. "Of course he is. I've just been a little upset lately." At that moment, her eyes moved toward the microwave and she swallowed hard, causing Niles to move closer, his hand resting on her forearm. "Are you sure there's not something you want to talk about? Whatever it is, it might help."

His words warmed her heard and she held tightly to his fingers. "Oh, Dr. Crane I did something horrible to your father! Truly horrible!"

He had no idea how good it felt to finally say the words.

"What happened?"

"It was a complete accident I swear! I was just going to put your father's Mucakabees in the microwave for a moment to dry them. But I got distracted and started dinner. If your brother hadn't come into the kitchen, I would never have -."

He was staring at her in obvious confusion. "Mucka-what?"

"Muckabees." She clarified. "Oh, he was so angry! And he had every reason to be!"

"What are Muckabees?"

"Shoes." She clarified again.

His eyes widened. "You put Dad's shoes in the microwave?"

Niles' condescending tone made her feel even worse and for the first time since she could remember, she wished that he would leave. She knew he was hurting and she wasn't about to throw him out, but she couldn't deny that his words hurt. And so she simply turned away from him, crossing her arms as she let the tear that escaped make its way down her cheek.

"Daphne, I'm sorry. What happened?"

"Your father loved those shoes and they had gotten wet, so I stuck them in the microwave. Well he was pretty cross with me when he saw what I'd done so we went out to buy him some new ones, but the bloody store is gone! There was just an empty storefront and a scary-looking homeless man who refused to tell us where the new store was unless he got a kiss! It was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen!"

Niles' eyes widened. "Dear God, how dare he! That's horrible!" But then his expression changed. "Oh, I don't mean that it's horrible to kiss you of course. I-I can't imagine any man possibly thinking-." He ran his hand through his hair and his face flushed. At first she was flattered, but then something happened. His breathing changed and he began to cough violently.

"Dr. Crane, what is it? What's wrong?" She asked, going straight to work at rubbing his back. "Are you all right?"

"I-I'm fine." He choked out. "I-I think I…"

Without hesitation she rushed to the tea kettle and poured him a cup of tea, handing it to him. "Here. Drink this."

"Th-thank you, Daphne." He said, taking a small sip.

"I'm sorry that your brother's not here, but if you need to talk-."

He sighed deeply. "I hate to burden you with my problems."

She smiled and hugged him warmly. "You're not a burden, Dr. Crane. You could never be and you will never be a burden. You're my friend and I lo-I care about you."

"Thank you Daphne. I care about-."

But once more his expression changed, causing her alarm.

"What is it?"

"Well, my financial situation of late has been less than stellar."

"Oh, that's nothing to be ashamed of. Believe me I know what it's like to be financially unstable."

"You're absolutely right Daphne. This is why you deserve a raise immediately. I'll tell Frasier."

She was horrified at what she'd implied. "NO! I-I mean, a raise would be lovely, but I meant you. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with your separation. I know it hurts and it must be difficult."

He nodded, his eyes falling to the floor. "It is. I didn't think that it would be, given what Maris did to fuel my decision, but it's hard… not being able to buy the things I'm used to buying."

"Dr. Crane-."

"Look, I know that you think I'm pretentious, and maybe I am, but-."

And at that moment she knew exactly what she had to do. She didn't know why she didn't think about it sooner.

"Stay right there, Dr. Crane. I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?"

"Just make yourself at home."

Before he could say another word, she made a beeline for her bedroom. Hidden deep in her dresser drawer was a long white envelope. Her fingers touched the smooth paper as she removed it from the drawer. She glanced at it, feeling her heart skip a beat. She'd had this envelope in her possession for as long as she could remember and it would certainly come in handy one day. But Niles needed it more. She knew he would never accept it but she was bound and determined to try.

Her heart was racing with nervousness as she returned to the kitchen.

"Daphne, is everything all right?"

She smiled and handed him the envelope. "This is for you, Dr. Crane."

He glanced at it in confusion. "For me? But I don't-."

"Please take it. I want you to have it."

He opened the envelope and his eyes widened. "Daphne… what is this?"

"Me savings. I've had that envelope since I first moved here."

"But Daphne-."

"Please take it, Dr. Crane."

"But what about you?"

"I'll be fine. I… don't even really know what I was saving for. Probably some silly dress or something I don't need at all."

He was staring at her in disbelief, the stack of bills in his hand. "But-."

"Please, Dr. Crane. I want you to have it."

"There must be well over five hundred dollars here. I can't take this money, Daphne. I'm sorry."

She nodded, blinking back tears. "I know, but I want you to have it. Do whatever you want with it. Buy a fancy tie or whatever you want."

She glanced at him, surprised to find tears in his eyes. "Daphne, I-."

"Please." She said again. "I don't feel right keeping that money for myself when you're having financial problems."

"I wish I hadn't told you. I never thought-."

"I'm glad you told me. But I'd be even gladder if you'd take the money."

He sighed deeply. "This is…. I can't quite believe it."

"You've done so many wonderful things for me, it's the least I can do."

"No, I can't."

"It would mean so much to me if you'd take it."

"Daphne-."

"Please? For me?"

He stared at the money in his hand and then sighed once more. "All right. But I'll pay you back, Daphne. Every penny and then some; as quickly as possible."

"It's not necessary.."

"Of course it's necessary. I''m going to make it up to you. I just-I can't tell you how much this means to me."

"It's nothing, Dr. Crane, I-."

She was in his arms, being held so close that she could feel his heart beating; could smell the faint scent of his cologne; feel his breathing against her neck.

"You're an angel, Daphne and I'll never forget this as long as I live."

When she heard him sniffling she drew back and stared at him in amazement. He was crying. The sight was almost too shocking to believe. "I-I didn't mean to upset you, Dr. Crane. I'm so sorry."

"I'm not. And I'm not upset. I'm just… This means the world to me."

"Are you sure you're all right?"

He drew her into his arms once more. "I'm wonderful. No, I'm more than wonderful. And so are you."

At that moment she couldn't help but smile. For he was the most wonderful person she'd ever known.