It took Frasier a while to start his BMW. Was this actually happening? He asked himself that question over and over again. The psychiatrist in him analyzed his decision inside and out. He wanted nothing more than to tell Lilith how he felt. But at the back of his mind he wondered if he'd regret his decision, as he always did after one of their encounters. Like he said last night, they did have their baggage. And it wasn't until after they said their goodbyes did he realize how much he missed Lilith. He had missed having someone to wake up to in the morning. He missed having someone to come home to. And most importantly, he missed having someone he felt comfortable sharing his most intimate thoughts with. The one person that came to mind was Lilith. Just thinking about her gave him the fortitude he needed to start his car and leave the parking garage.
By the time Frasier reached the designated gate the plane was already in the air.
"Damnit," he muttered under his breath. Why do we keep missing each other? he wondered.
"I can see if I can get you on the next flight to Boston," the woman at the airline counter suggested.
Frasier didn't answer right away. He really wanted to see Lilith again. But perhaps these near-misses were a sign that this wasn't the right time.
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," Frasier answered the woman.
He turned to leave when he spotted her. He'd recognize that familiar, tightly wound bun anywhere. Her back was facing him. She was looking around the mass of people scattered in the gate. He thought she was already on her way to Boston. When she finally turned around and met his gaze Frasier's heart skipped a beat. She had changed out of the dress she had on last night for a skirt and a matching blazer. After all these years she still looked beautiful. He could hear his heart beating louder and louder the closer she came.
"Frasier," she breathed once she reached him, "I thought I'd never see you again." She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.
Surprised by her bold actions, Frasier whispered in her ear, "Lilith. I'm so happy to see you." He held on to her small, delicate frame for what seemed like forever.
When they finally pulled apart they remained lost in each other's eyes. Neither of them felt this way in over eleven years.
"Why aren't you on your flight to Boston?" Frasier asked.
"After watching you leave this morning it felt like it was the last time I would see you. So I went to your apartment to talk to you but you weren't there." Lilith paused. She knew that this was the only moment she had to tell Frasier how she really felt.
"I need to tell you something," they both said at once. Their synchronization caused them both to smile.
"You first," Lilith exclaimed.
Frasier took a deep breath before he spoke. "Lilith, you know me better than anyone. And after being together yesterday I realized it was the closest we've ever been since the divorce. I didn't think it was possible, but I've missed you. I don't know what lies ahead for us. All I know is that I still love you, Lilith. I always have."
For the first time in a long time, the reserved Lilith Sternin let her emotions escape. "Oh, Frasier," she whimpered, fresh tears ready to fall. "I-I love you, too."
Frasier pulled Lilith closer and he kissed her. He kissed her hard and he kissed her long, just like he used to all those years ago.
It might have taken eleven years, but to Frasier and Lilith it only seemed like the beginning.
A/N: Well, that's the end (or at least how I wish the episode should have ended). Thanks for reading my first Frasier story. I'm planning on writing a Niles/Daphne fic as well, I'll have to see what I can think of. Thank you again for reading, see ya next time!