(Daphne's POV)

Daphne smiled as she glanced at the tiny envelope in her hand. After standing in line for what seemed like hours, she'd finally managed to get what she'd come to buy. But she was at a complete loss as to why a show that seemed so incredibly boring (aptly named Tears of the Martyr) had been the cause of endless chatter between the Crane brothers at the breakfast table, the dinner table and even at Café Nervosa. And it was an even bigger mystery that two grown men with college degrees from the most prestigious schools felt that they were too good to stand in the cancelation line before the performance to get the tickets that they wanted. Were they really that snobbish?

After listening to their banter for days on end, Daphne had finally had enough and she couldn't take it anymore. There had to be a way to find tickets to this dreadful performance that was so bloody important to her boss and his brother.

"Lady, are you through?"

The harsh voices startled her out of her thoughts and she turned around to see a balding, overweight man scowling at her.

"What?"

"Come on lady, I haven't got all day, all right?"

"A-all day for what?" She stammered.

The man behind the balding man vented his own frustrations by swearing, using a word that even to Daphne seemed inappropriate for the situation. "Oh for God's sake, lady!

What in the hell do you think he's talking about?" The man yelled. "You've been standing there so long that the show's gonna be over by the time we get to the ticket booth!"

The other people in line laughed but Daphne didn't find it funny in the least. She felt her cheeks flush and she turned to the man at the ticket counter. "I-I'm sorry. I-."

To his credit the man smiled at her, handing her a receipt. "Enjoy the show, ma'am. It's sure to be a good one."

"Th-thank you." She mumbled.

Her heart was racing as she made her way past the long line of patrons (when had they arrived?) and hurried to her car. She could hardly wait to get home and she hoped that Dr. Crane and his brother would be there. Certainly she could give them the news separately, but it was best to do it while they were together.

The closer that she came to the Elliot Bay Towers, the more nervous she felt. And in the elevator, her heart pounded so loudly that she thought she might faint. But she had to remain casual, no matter what. When the doors opened, she crossed the hall and fumbled to insert her key into the lock. The door opened automatically and suddenly she was looking into Niles' beautiful blue eyes. Oh why did he have to be so handsome?

"Dr. Crane… I-I didn't expect to see you here."

"Well, Frasier and I were just discussing-."

"The show you missed, I know."

Niles stared at her in confusion. "Y-you do? How?"

"I'll tell you how." Martin grumbled. "It's the only damn thing you've been talking about for days, that's how!"

"I suppose we have been rather preoccupied with seeing it." Frasier said, coming out of the kitchen.

Martin scoffed. "Ya think?"

"Mr. Crane…" Daphne said sternly, surprising not only Martin but Frasier and Niles as well. She swallowed hard. "Um, Dr. Crane… and… Dr. Crane… May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Oh no…" Martin said. "This isn't going to be good, is it? You're not going to quit, are you?"

Niles looked as though he might faint. "Quit? But why? Oh Daphne, I hope you'll reconsider. What can we do? A raise? A better working schedule?"

She smiled and took his hand, amazed as always at how soft it was. "No, I'm not leaving. But I do want to talk to you and your brother. It's important."

Martin pulled himself out of his chair and grabbed his cane. "I get it. I know when I'm not wanted. Come on, Eddie; let's go into the other room."

The dog barked and then scampered into the hallway, waiting patiently for Martin to catch up.

"All right Daphne, what did you want to speak to us about?" Frasier asked.

She smiled and gestured to the sofa. "Have a seat."

The men sat side by side and she felt the nervousness in her chest. "I-Um… I'm sorry you weren't able to see your show… the one you couldn't get tickets for."

Her words set off a tirade of complaints from both men about the show and about how they couldn't get in and would never be able to see it. Her head was starting to spin and she was just about to lose control when she put it to a stop.

"Wait a minute!" she yelled, bringing both men to silence.

"Daphne-."

"Just… Dr. Crane, wait a minute. You too, Dr. Crane. I… Um… I went downtown today and I stopped by that theatre; the one you like so much. I just thought… Well… Here… these are for you. They're for tomorrow night. If that won't work the man said that he'd be happy to exchange them because they can sell them in the…. Cancelation line."
Frasier's eyes widened as he opened the tiny envelope, staring at the tickets in disbelief. "Daphne, these are-."

"Tickets to Tears of a Martyr. That is the show you wanted to see, right?"

The brothers' exchanged glances and then returned their gazes to her.

"Well, yes, but…"

She smiled, relieved. "I'm glad because I stood in line for hours-that's why I was gone so long. I wanted to surprise you. And I could only get orchestra seating, so I hope that's all right. I-."

She was engulfed into the men's arms, both of them holding her tightly.

"Daphne, we can't thank you enough for this."

"You don't have to thank me, Dr. Crane. You're a wonderful boss. And Dr. Crane, you're a wonderful friend."

"Thank you, Daphne." Niles said. The poor man, he sounded as though on the verge of tears.

"Daphne, this is…. The most wonderful thing you could have ever done." Frasier said. He kissed her cheek, bringing tears to her eyes as she hugged him tightly. "I love you, Dr. Crane."

"I love you too, Daphne."

And then she turned to Niles. "I hope you enjoy the show, Dr. Crane."

He hugged her warmly, the most wonderful hug she'd ever received. In his arms she felt so safe and she never wanted to let go. He smelled so good; fresh and clean, his cologne not at all overpowering like some men. And she was reminded once again about why she loved him so. If only he knew how much but she couldn't tell him now, not here, not when his brother was present. And instead she kissed his cheek. "I love you too, Dr. Crane. I'll always love you."

He squeezed her tighter and she leaned into his embrace. "I-I love you too, Daphne."

Frasier joined them for a hug once again. She may have given them a gift, but the gift she'd received in return was even greater.