Still mesmerized by the beauty of the night sky, Niles walked straight out on to the balcony, standing right near the railing. For a moment, he simply stared into space, trying to take it all in. But then he caught a glimpse of the street below. Nineteen floors below. All at once, he felt dizzy. He cautiously stepped back from the railing.

"Dr. Crane, are you all right?" Daphne was immediately alarmed when she saw how pale he'd become.

"So...high," he whispered, desperately trying to catch his breath.

Daphne quickly grabbed a chair. "Here, just sit down," she said gently. "You'll feel better in a moment." She caressed his cheek, noticing how the gesture seemed to calm him instantly.

"Thank you, Daphne," Niles said once he'd composed himself. "I don't know what came over me. I hope I didn't spoil your New Year's Eve."

Daphne smiled, taking his hand in hers. "You did nothing of the sort. Now, just keep looking that way, and you should be fine." She pointed to the sky over the bay, where she knew the fireworks would be starting.

Cautiously, Niles turned his gaze in the direction she'd indicated. He breathed a sigh of relief when his dizziness did not return.

"See? I told you you'd be fine. I would never let you fall, Dr. Crane."

Suddenly, Niles found himself looking into her eyes, and he felt dizzy again. But this time, it was not frightening at all. He was touched by the kindness and compassion he saw in her expression, and he remembered his resolution. "I'm afraid it's too late for that," he said.

Daphne looked at him in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"I've already fallen, and I don't think I can be rescued. In fact, I don't want to be." Niles took her hand in his, amazed at how it felt to hold it. When Daphne continued to look at him as if he'd lost his mind, he explained. "People always promise themselves that they're going to make a fresh start in the new year and break their bad habits, or improve their lives in other ways. Well, I've decided that's what I'm going to do this year. I'm going to stop second-guessing my feelings. Daphne, I...I'm in love with you."

Daphne couldn't imagine what he could've said that would have surprised her more. Of course she'd sensed something in him from the moment they'd met. She knew right away he was lonely and unhappy. She'd done what she could to help, offering a kind word here and there. She was glad to help, considering how much he was hurting. But this, she'd never expected.

Suddenly, the first firework went off. The explosion startled Daphne a bit. Before she knew what she was doing, she leaned over and quickly kissed Niles. The kiss started out soft and gentle, but it grew deeper as it went on.

When the kiss finally ended, Niles looked into Daphne's eyes, realizing once again how beautiful they were. He reached over to brush a lock of hair from her face. His heart was pounding, and he was completely at a loss for words.

Daphne couldn't help smiling at the adorable expression on Niles' face. She was dimly aware that the fireworks were going on, but she found that she no longer cared. "You know," she said. "I think it's a bit chilly out here. Perhaps we should go inside. We could watch the rest of that movie."

Niles kissed her hand. "That sounds heavenly." As Daphne led him back into the apartment, Niles sighed contentedly. He knew that in just a few minutes, the world would welcome a new year. And, for once, he looked forward to it.

The End