As Frasier droned on and on trying to convince everyone in attendance that Bulldog wasn't the hero that Seattle had made him out to be, Daphne tried her best to appear at least somewhat interested. But she couldn't help thinking of Niles and how disappointed he must be, stuck in another room while his brother basked in the limelight.

For what seemed like the tenth time she checked her watch. She'd been sitting here for over an hour and Frasier had yet to present a single award. At this rate, they'd be here all night. And so, as discreetly as possible, she rose from her chair and quietly moved away from the table.

"Where are you going?"

Daphne rolled her eyes and sighed. Leave it to Mr. Crane to notice. Even with his eyes glued to the television set he noticed everything. It was a trait that completely annoyed her. Especially now.

"I'm going to the loo." She announced loudly, smiling at his look of embarrassment.

"But you'll miss Frasier's big moment!" Martin protested.

"Don't worry, I won't be gone long! I'll be back soon enough." Daphne replied. Without another word she made her way through the crowd until she found a stairway that led to the basement. Why on earth would they have the Technical Awards so far away from the main ones?

With a shrug she walked through the kitchen, smiling and nodding at the glances she received from the kitchen staff. If she wasn't in such a hurry, she might even be flattered by their looks of approval. But she was on a mission and she soon found herself in the hallway.

When she spotted the Napoleon Room, her heart skipped a beat. If she moved quickly she might just make it in time.

In the distance she could hear light applause and muffled voices and she hurried to the doorway and peered inside. The room was small, much smaller than the elegant banquet room where Frasier and Martin were, and certainly more plain-looking. She wouldn't be surprised if this room was anything more than a storage room. It certainly wasn't the type of room that Niles was used to. The ceilings were so low that she felt the need to duck upon entering. Wanting to be inconspicuous, she stood near the back, grateful when she spotted Niles in the front row, flipping nervously through a stack of index cards.

His lovely speech came back to her; one line in particular. She could hardly believe that he'd included her much less referred to her as a member of the family. It was the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for her.

So many times back in Manchester she felt as though she had no family, especially when her parents were fighting. She felt like an outsider in her own home. But here she was, living in a foreign country working for a man whose tastes were worlds away from hers and yet his brother was including her in his family; a family that she loved dearly but was certainly not deserving of.

And she found herself blinking back tears.

A plain looking gentleman appeared at the front of the room and requested everyone's attention.

"And for our final award of the evening, the award for Best Performance By a Guest on an Informational Show"

Daphne grinned and her heart fluttered with excitement. The anticipation was killing her.

"The nominees are... Fred Greenwall for his KZYK segment on Puppy Love-When You Love Your Pets Too Much"

The man, dressed in jeans and a faded t-shirt stood and waved amid scattered applause.

"Tim Simonson for his segment on KBSG entitled The Simple Truth About Dreams-Finding Happiness in Your Sleep."

Another plainly dressed man stood and smiled brightly gathering enthusiastic applause.

"And our final nominee, Niles Crane for his segment on KJSB entitled "Weather Woes-The Psychological Effects of Long-Term Inclement Weather."

The applause when it came was so quiet that people barely noticed the way Daphne was applauding with unbridled enthusiasm. It was all she could do not to jump up and down for joy.

Niles stood and turned to the audience smiling proudly. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo and Daphne's heart raced. It must have been due to the excitement and the anticipation.

"And now, the envelope..."

Daphne clinched her hands as the man opened the envelope and removed the card.

"And the Sea Bee goes to... Tim Simonson for The Simple Truth About Dreams!"

Daphne's heart sank and she felt the strangest urge to cry. The applause continued and Tim made no secret of his popularity. He walked up to the presenter with a huge smile on his face and turned to the audience as he held up his plastic Space Needle shaped award. Apparently the Technical Awards were on a much smaller budget.

To Daphne's disgust, Tim seemed even prouder of the fact that, aside from Niles, he was the only one who bothered to dress up. For he was certainly showing off his tuxedo t-shirt and the ratty jeans that accompanied them. Completely disgusting.

Compared to him, Niles looked absolutely incredible. But then he always looked so handsome no matter what he wore.

"Thank you fellow colleagues for this great, great honor..."

But Daphne wasn't paying attention to Tim. Her gaze was on Niles and the sad, disappointed look on his face as he glanced at the index cards containing his speech.

And she wanted so much to let him know that she cared.