As the evening sunset faded into darkness, their newfound passion continued. The magical moment was broken only when Daphne looked at her watch. "I should go. Your father and brother are probably furious, although your brother has no right-."

He kissed her, bringing her to silence again. But she couldn't keep quiet. "He talked you into it, didn't he?"
"Into what?"

"Taking money from a homeless man!" she said, almost shouting the words. "That's just the sort of things your brother would do! Oh, he acts like he's the most responsible man in Seattle, but when it comes down to it-."

"Daphne-."
Ridiculous tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks; tears that he gently brushed away. "I'm sorry to be crying like this, Niles." She said. "It just makes me so mad! What if that homeless man had really hurt you? What if-I couldn't bear to-."

She was in his arms then, crying into his shirt. The gentle movement of his hand on her back soothed her and she closed her eyes. "I'm sorry." She said quietly. "I'm just… so tired."

"Then sleep, my angel. I'll hold you." Niles kissed her cheek and she sighed wanting so badly to stay. But she knew it was wrong. She had obligations. "I really should go. Your brother-."

"All right, come on and I'll take you home. You've had a long day."
They climbed into his car and it seemed like no time at all had passed when she felt his hand caressing her cheek. "Wake up my sleeping angel. We're home."
But no sooner had they arrived at Frasier's doorstep when their blissful day was shattered by his angry greeting.

"It's about time! Where in the hell have you been?"
"We were this close to calling the cops!" Martin grumbled.
Niles put his arm around Daphne and drew her close, bringing expressions of surprise to the men's faces.

"Leave her alone, Daphne's not to blame for this, I am!"
She turned to him and sighed. "Niles, it's not your-."
He hugged her tighter. "Just rest my love. I'll explain everything."

"I love you." She whispered giving him one last kiss. She wanted to smile mockingly at the insensitive men but she was just too tired. Wearily she moved past them anxious to reach the haven of her room. In no time at all, she had showered and changed into her pajamas. Climbing into the bed she snuggled underneath the comforter, falling asleep almost the moment her head hit the pillow.

Dreams of the man she loved filled her head and she found herself wondering if perhaps she had always loved him. What other reason could there have been for reacting to his mugging the way she had? Could it be that he too had loved her all this time?

It was a blissful thought and it brought her into an even deeper sleep. And in her sleep she could feel herself smiling. And she could almost feel his lips on hers, so soft and gentle that her heart beat faster. His slender fingers running though her hair, his voice whispering her name.

"Niles…"

"Yes, my love. I'm here."

She could hear his voice clearly now, almost as though-. Her eyes fluttered open and she gasped lightly at the sight of him. "Niles…"
"I'm sorry I frightened you, Daphne."

"H-how long have you been here?"

He grinned sheepishly. "A while."

She sat up, her heart racing with sudden worry. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, nothing. I came in to check on you but you looked so beautiful that I couldn't bear to wake you. But I couldn't stop staring. You looked like an angel lying in your bed sound asleep."

Her heart warmed at his words that were much to flattering. "Niles…"

He kissed her lips and smiled. "Sleep, my angel. Goodnight Daphne. I love you."
She grinned mischievously. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?"

The expression on his face changed and she had no doubt that the answer was yes. But then the smile disappeared. "I would love nothing more but I really should be getting home. I'll see you tomorrow."

"But what about-."

"I explained everything to Frasier and Dad. We had a good talk and things are better between us thanks to you, Daphne. You know, Frasier and I may have our differences, but I do love him. I love him a lot. And I'm proud of him, but I should tell him that more often. I guess that doesn't make me a very good brother."

Overcome with love, she hugged him closer than ever before, her lips lingering against his neck. "You're a wonderful brother." She whispered. "Don't ever forget that."
He smiled and kissed her once more. "Thank you, Daphne. Sweet dreams."

She settled herself against the pillow sighing when she felt him adjust the comforter over her body; and before he had gone, she returned to a deep slumber. But not before saying a silent thank you to the stars and to Fifth Avenue for making her dreams of happiness come true.

THE END