"Would you like some more wine, Daphne?"

She stared at his handsome face, illuminated by the candlelight that flickered in the dim Italian restaurant. It was truly the most romantic setting she'd ever seen and she could hardly believe that she was sharing it with-

"Daphne?"

She blinked, retuning to the present. "Yes?"

"I was asking if you would like some more wine." He repeated, holding the wine bottle.

With a smile, she offered her glass. "Yes, thank you. I'm sorry, Dr. Crane. I suppose I'm a bit nervous."

He reached for her hand, rubbing it gently with his thumb. "I understand. I'm rather nervous as well. But that's ridiculous because it's not like we're... on a date or anything."

She swallowed hard, determined not to be disappointed by the statement. "Y-you're right. We're hardly on a date. I mean we're just-."

"Friends." He finished, holding her hand a little tighter. "And I couldn't ask for a better friend than you, Daphne."

The tears she'd been holding in filled her eyes and fell onto her cheeks as she smiled at him. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. You're a wonderful friend as well."

"Daphne, I wasn't trying to make you uncomfortable by asking you to have dinner with me as though it was a date. You see, I..."

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to thank you for what you did tonight. At the Sea Bee awards."

"Oh, but Dr. Crane I didn't do anything! Your brother and father should have been there for you and I just didn't think you should have to be there alone!"

"My point exactly, Daphne. You've done more for me tonight than you'll ever know and I can't tell you how touched I am. When I found out that I was nominated for a Sea Bee, well... somehow I knew that I had virtually no chance of winning. But I hoped..."

"Dr Crane..."

"It's all right. I've come to accept the fact that Frasier will always be more successful than I. Even when I managed to upstage him, he always found a way to make me feel inferior. Don't get me wrong, I love Frasier. He's the best brother a man could ask for, but sometimes-."

When his voice broke, he quickly poured another glass of wine and gulped it down.

Daphne rose from her chair and walked to where he sat, causing him to look at her in surprise. The tears glistened in his eyes, touching her heart.

"Is something wrong, Daphne?"

"No..." she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I just..." Wordlessly she took him into her arms and held him, oblivious to the stares of those around them. She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes, sighing at the warm weight of his hand on her back. "You're a wonderful man, Dr. Crane. And no matter what your brother says or does, I hope you know how much I care about you."

"Am I interrupting something?"

At the sound of the deep voice, they looked up to find the waiter holding a tray containing their meals and she reluctantly pulled out of Niles' arms.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just..."

Quickly Niles went to her side, pulling her chair back to allow her to sit. It was the most thoughtful gesture she'd ever seen.

"I hope your meals are to your satisfaction, Dr. Crane and Ms-."

"Oh, how rude of me." Niles said, smiling at the waiter. "This is my... best friend. Daphne Moon."

Daphne blushed deeply at the compliment, trying to ignore the tears that filled her eyes yet again. And when she extended her hand, the waiter surprised her by placing a kiss upon it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Moon. I'll leave you to your meal."

As soon as Daphne took a bite of her lasagna, she realized how hungry she was. It was the best meal she'd eaten in a very long time.

"How's your dinner, Daphne?"

"Oh, it's wonderful, Dr. Crane! Just incredible!"

He smiled shyly. "I'm glad. I was a little worried that you wouldn't like it. Maris never-."

She reached for his hand. "It's wonderful, Dr. Crane. I can't thank you enough for bringing me here. Such a romantic setting, wonderful service and a handsome man sitting across from me. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Her comment seemed to catch him off-guard and he choked on the wine he was sipping. She sprang from her seat and went to him at once, patting him on the back until he was breathing normally.

"Thank you, Daphne. I'm sorry, I-."

"You've nothing to be sorry for, Dr. Crane. Are you going to be all right?"

He nodded. "I think so."

She smiled and gently touched his cheek. "Well then, why don't we finish this lovely meal?"

They returned to their seats and she couldn't help noticing that he was eating much more slowly than before. And all too soon their plates were empty.

"That was the most wonderful meal I've ever had, Dr. Crane!" She said in all sincerity.

"I'm glad you liked it. Would you care for desert?"

"I'd love some."

The waiter returned and cleared their plates and then went to get their desert order.

Meanwhile, Daphne felt shyer than ever before.

"I'm sorry I'm not very talkative tonight, Dr. Crane. I guess I'm still a little nervous. It's funny, your brother and father are always complaining about how I talk too much."

"Daphne I would never-."

She sighed, noticing how his blue eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. That's very sweet."

"And speaking of sweet..." He quipped when the waiter returned. "Our tiramisu is here. I haven't tried it yet, but I hear that it's wonderful."

Daphne eagerly picked up her fork and took a bite. The sinful desert was so heavenly that she almost melted through the floor. "Oh, that is decadent!" She sighed, taking another forkful. "Dr. Crane you must try this!"

"I can hardly wait to dig into my own-." But before he could finish, she inserted the fork into his mouth, shivering slightly when her hand brushed against his chin. "Isn't that incredible?"

His expression was one of pure ecstasy and she couldn't help but laugh. "I'll take that as a yes!"