Frasier's Balcony
Martin pulled on his raincoat and stepped onto the balcony, wincing when a gust of wind and rain hit him in the face.
"Niles, what are you doing out here without a coat?"
His son didn't answer, but instead started out at the city lights.
"You could have at least put on a coat before you came out here. You'll catch your death."
"That might not be such a bad thing." Niles sighed.
"Why are you talking like that? It's stupid!" Martin said.
He turned and walked back into the house, returning seconds later with Niles' raincoat.
"Here, put this on."
"Now Dad, I don't need you to treat me like a child! I certainly won't melt in a little rain and I don't mind-"
"Well I mind! I don't want you tracking water all over the floor!"
"I thought as much." Niles said.
Martin held out the coat to his son. "Please?"
"Oh all right." Niles said, taking the raincoat from his father. "It's not like it matters anyway."
"Just humor me, will ya? And stop feeling sorry for yourself, all right?"
Obediently Niles slipped on the raincoat.
"There, don't you feel better?"
"No..." Niles said glumly.
"Look... Son... Daphne told me what happened with Maris. I-I'm sorry."
Niles turned to face his father. "You are?"
"Well of course I am! Don't you think I want you to be happy?"
"Wow... a bit of sentiment. Amazing." Niles said.
"Will you cut the crap? I said I was sorry!" Martin said. "And I meant it. You really loved her, didn't you?"
"I still do... Love her, that is." Niles said.
"I understand. I still loved your mother when we were having problems."
"And what happened?"
"Well... Fortunately things got better."
"I'm happy for you." Niles said. "Now if you don't mind I'd like to be alone."
"Oh Niles...Stop this, please! What's really bothering you about this whole thing?"
Niles sighed. "I don't want to talk about it."
"All right, fine. Have it your way." Martin said. "It's freezing out here. I'm gonna go inside. You coming?"
"In a little while." Niles said.
"Don't stay out too long." Martin said as he opened the door.
"I won't."
"Oh Niles?"
"Yeah?"
"I know I don't say it very much, but... I love you, Son. And I'm sorry you're hurting."
His comment brought a smile. "Thanks, Dad. I love you too."
