Tears of joy filled his eyes and he engulfed her in his arms. "Oh Daphne..."
They held each other close, slowly moving back and forth, neither of them wanting to let go.
"We'll get through this, Daphne. I promise." Niles said.
"I don't want to lose you." Daphne cried, clinging to him even more. "Don't leave me... please!"
"I won't." Niles said, resting his cheek against hers. "I love you, Daphne. I love you so much."
"And I love you."
They kissed once more and then held each other in the stillness. The city seemed peaceful and American Flags had suddenly appeared in a few places; on balconies, on building tops, and even on the Space Needle. There was so much chaos on the east coast and yet Seattle seemed calmer than they'd ever seen it.
It didn't seem fair.
After several long moments they drew back from one another, shivering from the sudden breeze in the air.
"We should go inside." Niles said.
They walked into the condo and were greeted by Martin and Frasier.
"Is everything... all right?" Frasier asked carefully.
Niles wrapped his arms around Daphne and kissed her cheek. "Everything's perfect." He regretted the words instantly and looked down at his feet.
"Well, I mean..."
"I know what you mean." Martin said.
""I'm going to... stay for a few days if that's all right." Niles said.
"Of course it's all right, Niles." Frasier said, smiling at the happy couple.
"I'll get a blanket and pillow." Daphne said, squeezing Niles' hand.
Later Daphne, Martin, Niles and Frasier ate dinner in silence and then settled themselves in front of the television. The images were now familiar, but no less painful.
Finally Martin and Frasier stood, yawning and stretching. "I've had about all of this I can take!" Martin grumbled. "I'm going to bed!"
"Goodnight, Dad. I think I'll retire as well." Frasier said. "Goodnight everyone."
Daphne went to each man, hugging and kissing them on the cheek. "I love you all... so much."
"We love you too, Daphne." Martin said. "Now try to get some sleep."
Late into the night, Niles and Daphne sat on the sofa with tears in their eyes as they watched the footage of the day's events.
"We should get some sleep." Niles whispered into her hair.
"I don't know if I can." Daphne sniffled.
Niles held her even closer. "Just try. If you need me, I'll be right here."
She smiled and kissed him tenderly. "I love you."
"I love you too. Goodnight."
While she slept, the haunting images invaded Daphne's sleep.
"Oh god, No! Please! Niles!"
The door to her bedroom flew open and she found herself in his arms. She sobbed against his chest as he held her close, rocking her back and forth whispering soothing words of comfort. His fingers gently stroked her hair as her tears dampened his pajamas.
"I'm sorry." She whimpered, unable to stop trembling.
"Don't be sorry, Daphne." He said softly. "The people who did this... they're the ones who should be sorry. They... have no idea how many lives they've affected."
"Will this pain ever stop?" Daphne whimpered; her voice that of a child.
"It will." Niles reassured her. "But not completely. And it will take a long time. It might even hurt in a different way. But Daphne, you'll never be alone because I'll be with you, always."
"I'm so tired..."
Niles tucked her into bed. "Just rest my sweet angel. I'll be right in the living room." But when he kissed her cheek and stroked her hair, she grabbed his arm.
"What's wrong?"
"Stay with me, please." She whispered.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." She said, moving over to make room for him in the tiny bed. He climbed in beside her and held her against him, sleeping intermittently as he did his best to soothe her. And she did the same for him.
Because that's what love is for. To help us through it.
THE END