When Niles woke a few hours later, he was relieved to find that the fog had lifted from his mind. He instantly remembered where he was and why. No doubt this was all because of Daphne. He could not remember anyone taking care of him as she had. The thought warmed his heart, making him love her even more than he already did. He got out of bed and went off to find his angel. He found her coming down the hall toward him as he stepped out Frasier's bedroom door.

"Dr. Crane, you're up!" Daphne exclaimed. "You're looking much better."

"I'm feeling better, too. All thanks to you, of course." Niles looked into her beautiful brown eyes and found himself getting lost in them.

Daphne blushed. "Oh, well, I didn't really do that much. It's nothing your brother wouldn't have done if he were here."

"Yes, but Frasier wouldn't have been nearly as kind. You must let me repay you somehow. I could buy you dinner tonight. Anywhere you want, just name it." Niles tried not to dwell on the fact that this was as close to asking her on a date as he'd ever been. His heart pounded as he waited for her response.

"That's very sweet, Dr. Crane. But I don't think I'm worth all that trouble. I was glad to do what I did. I'm just so happy you're better!" Daphne hugged him excitedly.

Niles enjoyed the feeling of holding her in his arms. Once again the smell of her intoxicated him. Cautiously, he pulled out of the embrace. All at once, he knew what he needed to say to her. "Well, if you won't allow me to buy you dinner, can I at least repay you by telling you something?"

Daphne looked surprised. "Yes, of course, Dr. Crane. You can tell me anything." She squeezed his hand comfortingly.

Niles looked at her, wanting so badly to kiss her. But instead, he spoke. "I've always known what a beautiful and kind person you are, Daphne. I could never begin to tell you how much your kindness means to me. So I'll just tell you this: I've loved you since the first moment I saw you." He saw the surprise on her face. He thought there might be one way to let her know that he meant what he was saying, from the bottom of his heart. All at once, he leaned in and gently kissed her. It was even more incredible than he could've ever imagined.

"Dr. Crane!" Daphne said, once she got over the intial shock. "No one's ever said anything so beautiful to me in me whole life. I hardly know what to say!"

"You don't have to say anything right now. I just wanted you to know, that's all." Niles put his arms around her, gently holding her close.

Daphne looked at him, noticing for the first time just how handsome he was. Suddenly, she remembered all his sweet compliments about her outfits, and the way he smiled every time she came in the room. It all made sense now. The idea that he could care about her so much was overwhelming. But it was also exciting. "I have an idea," Daphne said. "Now that you're better, would you like to come and watch a movie with me on your brother's couch?"

Niles grinned. The idea of sitting next to Daphne to watch a movie seemed like heaven. He didn't even much care what movie Daphne chose, as long as he got to be near her. "That sounds wonderful." He took her hands in his, sighing as he touched her warm skin.

"You can make yourself comfortable on the sofa while I make the popcorn," Daphne said, as she led him by the hand into the living room.

Niles turned so that he could look into her eyes again. "I don't think I'll be needing popcorn."

Daphne kissed him. "Somehow, I don't think I will, either. Do you mind if we skip the movie altogether?" She grinned at him mischeviously.

Niles laughed, amazed that she had reacted this way to his revelation. "We can do anything you want." He kissed her one more time.

"Well, for right now, I'd like to stay right here." Daphne put her arms around him.

"I can't think of anything I'd like to do more," Niles said as he pulled her even closer.

The End