Hand in hand, Niles Chipwood and the goddess named Daphne walked down Sesame Street past an array of colorful buildings, basking in the warm afternoon sunshine.
But when they reached the corner of Sesame and Green Street, Niles stopped. At Daphne's concerned look, he smiled and took her other hand, unable to resist placing a gentle kiss there.
"We must always stop at crosswalks." He explained. "I want to be sure that you make it across safely. So hold tightly to my hand and don't let go, okay?"
His gentle grip on her hand increased and his cheek grew warm at the touch of her soft lips.
"You're such a sweet man, Niles Chipwood. Of course I'll hold your hand! There's no where I'd rather be than with a handsome man."
Almost instantly his smile disappeared. "Oh... Well, I'm sure that he's anxious to see you as well, so-."
She laughed once more and hugged him so tightly that he almost forgot how to breathe.
"Oh Niles, I love your wonderful sense of humor!"
At his confused smile, she kissed him on the mouth. "I meant you! You're the handsome man that I want to be with!"
His smile brightened and he could feel tears of happiness well in his eyes. "Y-you really think I'm handsome?"
"Of course I do! In fact, you're the most handsome man I've ever seen!"
His heart filled with love for her and he stared at her in astonishment, barely aware that she was still holding his hand, carefully leading him across the street.
"Here we are, safe and sound." She announced when they reached the other side. "Thank you so much for taking care of me, Niles Chipwood."
Just the sound of his name on her beautiful lips made his heart swell. "Let's go and find those cookies and lemonade, shall we?"
They walked in comfortable silence and when they came to the intersection of Green and Sebastian Street, Niles' eyes widened at the sight.
For there in front of them was the perfect place to share a snack of Shortbread and Crystallized Ginger cookies accompanied by a pitcher of cold lemonade.
"Sweet Connections." Niles read. "This will do nicely." Still holding her hand, he led Daphne to the quaint bakery with the cheery sign out front.
"Table for two please." He said to the dark haired waiter.
"I'll show you to the best table we have." The waiter replied, leading them to a secluded table that overlooked the quiet street called Sebastian.
"This is perfect." Niles said as they settled themselves at the table. The waiter took their order and Niles couldn't tear his eyes away from the beautiful goddess seated across from him. To his surprise she smiled and reached across the table taking his hands.
"Are you feeling better now? I'm so sorry you were upset earlier."
"I'm feeling wonderful. I can't thank you enough for your kindness." Niles replied. "I guess I just couldn't help myself. When I saw that Shortbread and Crystallized Ginger cookie, I thought of my mother and how she used to make them for me when I was a little boy."
Daphne smiled and squeezed his hands. "You miss her, don't you?"
Niles sighed, trying to hide the sadness he felt.
"I bet you were the sweetest little boy." Daphne said, giving him a heartwarming smile.
He blushed deeply, unable to believe that he was worthy of such praise.
"Why are you being so nice to me?"
Before Daphne could answer, the waiter appeared with their cookies and lemonade.
"Oh, these look wonderful." Daphne said, eagerly taking a cookie from the large platter.
Niles poured her a glass of lemonade and they shared a toast.
"To friendship."
"And perhaps a bit more." Daphne added, sending his heart soaring.
They sat in silence, enjoying their cookies and lemonade and Niles knew that he'd never been happier in his entire life.