"Dr. Crane, how nice to see you!"

Niles smiled at the angelic vision before him, amazed at how the mere sight of someone so beautiful could soothe his aching heart.

"Hello, Daphne. Is Frasier around?"

"Yes, he's on the phone, but I know he'll be happy to see you."

Niles touched the smooth white envelope in his pocket. "Ah, indeed he will. I have something he's sure to love."

"What's that, Niles?"

Niles turned and smiled with relief upon seeing his brother.

"Hello, Frasier. I'm glad you're home. I have a surprise for you."

"Well don't beat around the bush, let's see this surprise of yours!"

Niles reached into his pocket and removed the envelope. "I have in my hand two tickets to an exclusive sold-out performance of Swan Lake at McCaw Hall."

Daphne's hand went to her heart and she sighed dreamily.

"Swan Lake... Oh, I've always wanted to see that! It's such a beautiful story; romantic, intriguing... reminds me of a romance novel I once read. There was this princess and she was very sad until one day-."

"Thanks for the recap, Daphne." Frasier interrupted, ignoring the annoyed look on her face as he opened the envelope and looked at the tickets.

"Niles, this is very generous of you, but wouldn't you rather go with Robin? The way you two have been seeing each other so frequently, I figured you'd want to spend the evening with her."

Niles sighed, unable to hide the sadness in his eyes.

"Did I say something wrong?" Frasier asked.

"No... Actually I have some news. Robin and I broke up."

Daphne gasped in surprise at Niles confession and Frasier looked equally as stunned.

"Oh, Niles... I'm so sorry. What happened?"

"I'm not quite sure, Frasier. One minute I'm telling her how much I enjoyed the wonderful dinner we shared last night and ! I simply must tell you about this amazing restaurant. The chef is a renowned-."

Frasier put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Niles... You're stalling. What happened?"

Niles swallowed hard. "Well I was just about to tell her about getting these tickets. I know how much she loves the ballet, and she tells me that she's been doing a lot of thinking and that she doesn't think we're compatible."

"That's preposterous!" Frasier yelled. "You two were perfect for each other!"

Niles smiled sadly. "Thank you, Frasier and I suppose you're right. But at any rate, the tickets are yours. I hope you enjoy them."

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness but I'm afraid I have plans on Saturday night. I'm taking Cecilia Woods to dinner and drinks at the Starlight Room."

Niles eyebrows rose. "The Starlight Room? How on Earth did you manage to get reservations there? I've been trying for months, but every time I would call they were completely booked up. I thought Robin would love-."

He stopped suddenly, remembering that Robin was no longer a part of his life. And his heart began to ache once more.

"Well you know how we Crane boys are!" Frasier said. "Nothing but the best!"

"Yes, absolutely. That's wonderful Frasier." Niles said. "I'm so glad you've found someone special."

Frasier gasped in horror. "Oh dear God, what was I thinking? I'm so sorry, Niles. Listen to me, carrying on like some... gloating fool when you've just had your heart broken."

"It's all right." Niles said. "I suppose someone in my building could use these tickets. I'm sorry to have bothered you."

Against Frasier and Daphne's protests, Niles made his way to the front door.