Morning came, birds sang, the sun rose. The world didn't end. But the lingering fear that something eles would sent both parties in to an ocean of self doubt, in over thier heads.

She fled. He followed.

He played the role of doting lover for her family.

They pulled each other out of the deep water.

They sat on the porch of her childhood home, casting their fears into the open. The risks, were they worth the gain? Friends they decided, always friends. Friendship was safe and friendship was comfortable. Friendship was never having to say goodbye.

Their conversation was interrupted by the front door swinging open," You two lovebirds still out here? It's time for dessert! The kids already had their pick, but if you hurry there'll still be some left."

Frasier stood up first, extending a hand to Roz who gave him a wary smile.

They walked inside making their way to the dining room where everyone else was already sitting. Frasier sat down but Roz motioned to the other room, " I'm going to go check on Alice, I'll be right back."

She returned shortly taking the seat next to Fraiser, "And?"

"Oh she's enjoying herself. She doesn't really get to see her cousins that often. She's going to be exhausted by tonight though."

"Mmm." Frasier nodded knowingly draping an arm over the back of her chair and resting his had on her shoulder.

It made her nervous because mostly, it didn't feel odd at all. They had always had a close relationship and had always been comfortable with each other. For all his moaning and groaning over casual hugging and personal space, with her Frasier had always been extremely tactile. So an arm around her waist or a hand resting lightly on her thigh was nothing new.

What that implied though, sent her head spinning. Could they really fool her whole family by just acting they way they did on a daily basis? Well, she had to admit, with the addition of a few strategically placed kisses.

Her train of thought was cut short as Alice came tumbling in with the other children looking for more sweets. Standing on her toes and grabbing a cookie off the dessert table she made her way over to her mother, climbing up on her lap. Roz kissed the top of her daughter's head, then whispered something into her ear that made Alice giggle. Having finished her cookie quickly Alice turned around looking up at her mother, a yawn stretching out her words, "Mommyyy I'mmm tiredddd."

"Okay sweetie." she replied dropping another kiss ontop of her daughter's head, "How about you go run and get in your pj's? Ill be in to help you in a minute." Alice nodded sleepily and headed down the hall to the room where her things were.

Roz turned to Frasier but as soon as she opened her mouth Denise swooped in,"Oh dear Roz I just realized, we had you and Alice sleeping in the living room. I'm afraid there's no room for Roger."

Before Roz had a chance to respond Frasier waved her off, "Not to worry. I rented us the penthouse suit at the hotel over on Main St. We'll be out of your hair in no time."

"Oh." Denise said curtly before walking away.

As they stood up Roz leaned into Frasier whispering in his ear, "I've never heard my sister shut up so fast. I owe you for that one. But now where am I actually going to stay? Do you think id still be able to get a room at wherever you're staying?"

"Come on Roz, I actually did rent the penthouse for the night. It's got three bedrooms a living area, and what they loving called a 'Kitchenette'. You're staying with me."

"Okay" she reasoned, "Come help me grab my bag and we can get out of here."

They made their way down to the guest room where she had left her suitcase. Upon entering they discovered Alice sleeping, curled up on the bed clutching her footie stood in the doorway for a moment not waiting to wake her just yet.

"She's adorable. You've done a great job raising her."

"Just wait till she's screaming about something tomorrow morning. You'll forget it was the same little girl." she responded light heartedly.

"I mean it." He turned to face her, the small doorway leaving little space between them, "I hope this doesn't sound patronizing, but I'm so proud of you Roz."

"No" she paused briefly, "it means a lot. Thanks Frasier." She held his gaze and could feel herself wanting to put her hands on his face, to cover his lips with her own. But they were all alone without anyone to fool, the charade was almost over and they were merely friends.

Her breath caught as she swore she saw a similar desire on his own face, she tipped her head up ever so slowly...

"Mommy?" a tired voce came from inside the room, "Mommyyy I'm tired I wanna go home."

Roz let out the breath she hadn't noticed she'd been holding, "Okay honey, let me just grab our bags. We're not going home just yet but were gonna go to our hotel and stay there for the night." She walked over to the pile of suitcases belonging to the assorted family members that were spending the night and easily found hers.

"But mommy i'm to tired to get upp." Alice pouted, sticking her bottom lip out.

"I suppose you're to tired for a piggy back ride then?" Frasier interjected. Alice nodded her head 'no' with a very serious look on her face before standing on the bed so Frasier could hoist her on to his back. Once she was settled she yawned again, laying her head on his shoulder.

Turning around Frasier found Roz standing with her suitcase and a gentle smile on her face.

They headed out saying their goodbyes to assorted family members along the way; by they time they made it to the door Roz commented she was as tired as Alice. Frasier got Alice settled in the back seat as Roz got into the passenger side door. A minute or two later Frasier sat down in the drivers seat and started up the car. He glanced over at Roz who was waving to her family, all standing in the foyer window sending her off.

He broke the silence with a question, "One last nail in your sister's coffin, shall we?"

She turned her head to him, oblivious to what he meant. It didn't take her long to realize though, as he leaned over to her size of the car and kissed her. It was to make her family jealous, yes, but her family was the last thing on her mind as he deepened the kiss, her mouth yielding to his.

How long exactly the kiss lasted was lost to her, but when he pulled away she was out of breath. She quickly turned back to the window, heat rising in her cheeks, waving one last time as Frasier put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway.