Boldly, Niles reached across the table and took Daphne's hand. His heart warmed when she smiled and moved her thumb back and forth against his skin.
"Shall I have the waiter bring more cookies and lemonade, my sweet?"
Daphne's hand went to her stomach.
"Oh, no thank you. As delectable as those Shortbread and Crystallized Ginger cookies were, I couldn't eat another bite."
Niles sighed, finding it hard to hide his disappointment; for he never wanted this glorious day to end.
"All right then. Perhaps we should go."
Minutes later they were walking hand in hand down Green Street en route to Sesame Street.
"Me house is just around the corner." Daphne said. "So I'll just..."
Niles stopped and looked into her beautiful eyes with a smile on his face and attempted an even bolder gesture than before.
"Daphne, would you do me the honor of allowing me to walk you home?"
And to his relief, Daphne smile and linked her arm through his.
"There's nothing I'd love more."
They walked slowly, taking in the beautiful sights of their surroundings... and the beautiful sights of each other. But all too soon Daphne stopped and glanced up at a quaint brick building.
"This is where I live."
"It's very nice." Niles complimented with complete honesty.
They turned to one another, neither of them wanting to face the inevitable; that soon they would have to part.
"Would you like to come in for some coffee?" She offered.
He wanted to. Oh, how he wanted to. But he simply couldn't impose. Not after all of the kindness that she'd shown him.
"That's very sweet of you to offer, but it's getting late. Perhaps I should be heading home.
He knew he was doing the chivalrous thing, but the disappointment in her eyes was more than he could bear.
"Daphne, I'm sorry. I-."
She smiled and blinked back tears that were glistening in her eyes, paining his heart even further.
"It's all right. It is getting late. I had a lovely time. You're the sweetest, kindest man I've ever known and I hope that we will meet again someday on Sesame Street... Or any other street for that matter. Because I want you to know how much I care about you."
The words warmed his heart, for no one had ever told him that they cared about him before; except perhaps his mother when she made him a plate of Shortbread and Crystallized Ginger cookies.
"Goodnight, Niles Chipwood. And thank you. I'll see you soon. Perhaps as soon as tonight... in me dreams."
When she kissed his cheek, he closed his eyes and sighed contentedly. But when she turned to walk away, he missed her so badly that it physically hurt. His heart began to race and before he could stop himself he was calling her name.
"Daphne?"
She whirled around to face him and when she moved closer, he could see a tear trickle down her cheek. And it was then that he couldn't resist cupping her face in his hand to brush the tear away with his thumb.
"Daphne?" he said again.
She took his hands in hers bringing them to her lips.
"Yes?"
The sentiment poured out of his mouth before he could stop it.
"May I kiss you?"
No words were needed as she moved so close to him that he felt her breath on his face. Then she slowly closed her eyes and parted her lips, allowing him to kiss her the way he'd always dreamed of kissing someone. She sighed contentedly and deepened the kiss, almost causing his knees to buckle.
"Wow..." He said when they drew back from one another.
Daphne blushed. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"I-I did. Very much." Niles replied with a nervous laugh.
Her smile turned mischievous. "Well... In that case, perhaps I'll kiss you again."
Niles closed his eyes as her soft lips met his once more. The softness and sweetness of her kisses sent his mind reeling.
"Daphne?" He said a third time, his lips against hers.
"Yes Niles?"
"I love you."
The wait for her response was excruciating and when she opened her mouth to speak, he feared that he would regret pouring his heart out to her like this.
And then she spoke.
"I love you too... Niles."