Chapter 7

Are you in love with Daphne?

Of course he wasn't. Well, he was, but not anymore. Daphne was moving on to a new chapter of her life, and Niles had to move on too. And he did. He had a new woman in his life, Mel. She was just like him, too, so that was a big plus. She was just what he needed to get him out of the depression he had been spiraling into since the proposal.

Yes, he was completely over Daphne, and he was happy.

Yet, he often made fleeting glances towards Daphne, and in those moments, his heart made that familiar jump. He ignored it, though.

There was one moment where he actually thought Daphne was beginning to develop feelings for him. Her hand was soft on his, and as she applied the burn cream, a thoughtful expression crossed her face. Niles forgot that she was helping him cook a dinner for Mel, and his hopes were lifted. Frasier crushed those hopes, and Niles was a fool for expecting anything.

He wasn't in love with Daphne anymore. Fleeting glances were nothing. It only made sense since he had loved her so long, but he moved on. He was happy.

But why was he so frightened of moving on further with Mel? They had been together for a while, and moving in together shouldn't have seemed like such a big deal.

During their weekend in the mountains, he knew she would bring it up. He was ready to change the subject when she did, but he thought of Daphne, and her wedding, which was in a few days, and something churned within him.

"Before you bring it up," he told Mel. "Moving in seems so ordinary. Why don't we get married?"

And they did. And he certain it was the best decision of his life.

Until the night before the wedding. When he had Daphne in his arms, he could feel the world melting away. He could feel the steady beat of her heart that perfectly matched his. But, he was happy with Mel. He was.

And when Frasier told him how Daphne felt, Niles was scared again. He was nervous, excited, and happy. If it was true, why was he torturing himself?

"Because I love you," the words came out easier than he had expected. Years of practicing in the mirror didn't prepare him for this.

The kiss on the balcony was sweet and perfect. He was happy—actually happy. And that happiness broke in an instant when she pushed him away and decided she couldn't do this.

The wedding was something he could not face. He could not face her, Donny, or Mel. He could not move on again. He could not pretend to be happy when inside he was torn up.

He didn't know or care who was at the door. He said, "come in," more as a formality.

"Hello," she said.

"Daphne…"

"I was wondering if you might be free for a date."

His heart swelled, and as he went to embrace her, the words tumbled out, "Oh, my god, yes!"

He didn't want to deny it anymore. He loved Daphne so much.