Niles took my hand and kissed it, causin' a surge of warmth to go through my body.

"You're so beautiful..." he said, cuppin' me face in his hand. I sighed as he caressed my cheek with his silky smooth palm.

"Daphne, I need to tell you something..."

"Yes, Niles?"

"I'm falling in love with you."

I gasped, unable to believe what I was hearin'.

"I-I love you, too." I said as my eyes filled with tears. When one streamed down my cheek, he brushed it away with his thumb. Then he lowered his lips to mine and kissed me.

"Oh Niles..." I said when the kiss ended.

As we stared into each other's eyes, a rush of love came over me. I pulled him toward me and kissed him again. I couldn't resist splayin' my hands through his soft blonde hair.

"I love you, Daphne." He said, carressin' my cheek again.

And I love you, Niles." I said as I grasped his hand in mine. He drew me closer, our lips just inches apart...

"Wait... I can't do this." He said, pulling away abruptly.

"Wh-what are you talking about?"
He sighed deeply. "This isn't going to work."

"What's not going to work?" I asked, afraid of the answer.

"Us." He said after a pause that was much too long.

"Niles, I-."

He held up his hand to silence me. "Just... hear me out, okay?"

I nodded like an obedient child.

"Frasier was right. We're just... two very different people."

"Of course we are!" I said. "We're two different people who love each other." I took his hand and kissed it, hurt when he pulled it away.

"I'm sorry Daphne. We just... We have nothing in common! You know nothing about operas, or psychiatry... or wine for God's sake!"

"But Niles, I-."

"I admit I'm rather ill-versed in the subjects of romance novels, romantic comedy films and... dare I say it...? I really don't know much about your life at all. How could we ever base a relationship on ignorance?"

I grabbed his arm in an almost desperate move.

"We can change all of that. I can change! Just give me a chance and I promise-."

"I'm sorry Daphne." He said again.
To me horror, he turned and walked away.

"Niles, wait! Don't leave! I still love you!" I called to him.

"NILES!"

I bolted upright in my bed and tried to focus on my surroundings. Seconds after I realized where I was, the events of earlier that evenin' came floodin; back.

And so did me tears...