She opened the door with more force than she intended and ran into the lobby, dismayed to find it nearly deserted. And her chest began to ache once more.
Damn...
Once more she began to cry, but she no longer cared. She knew that she'd see Niles again, but it simply wouldn't be the same. Although she'd told him countless times how much she cared for him, she hadn't told him what mattered most; that she loved him. And now she'd never have the chance.
She turned and pushed the button for the elevator as the tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I don't understand it. It was right here in my pocket! I was sure of it! What could have happened to it? Well, I hope that Frasier doesn't mind my intruding-."
At the sound of his voice, Daphne whirled around. If ever fate existed it was in this moment.
He stopped in his tracks, his face registering surprise. "Daphne..."
The sight of him made her cry even harder, blurring his handsome face.
"Dr. Crane..."
He went to her at once, clearly worried about her.
"What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"
She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair. "Nothing..."
"But you're crying. Did something happen? Are you all right?"
She nodded, the tears lodged in her throat. "I-I thought you'd gone home. I thought..."
"Well, I was on my way home, but then I realized that I was missing something." Niles replied. "Actually now that I think about it, I don't really need it at all. I suppose I just-."
Her hand trembled as she clutched the folded piece of paper and slowly handed it to him.
"You mean this?"
His mouth fell open in surprise as he took the paper from her and unfolded it, glancing at the words on the page.
"That's the most beautiful speech I've ever read." Daphne said in an unsteady voice. "But I couldn't help but notice that something was missing."
"M-missing?"
She moved closer and took his hand, bringing it to her lips for a kiss. "The part about me."
His face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh right. Well... I..."
She took the paper from him and held it against her heart. "I'll treasure this for the rest of me life."
"I'm sorry Daphne. I guess I should have-."
But she wouldn't let him finish. Instead she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply. When the lingering kiss ended she smiled at his stunned expression. "I love you too, Dr. Crane. I've loved you for a long time."
No words were needed as he moved closer for another kiss; this one more heavenly than the first. When she drew back, he had tears in his eyes.
Gently she kissed his lips. "Please don't cry. Why don't you save this lovely speech? I know you'll win something eventually. You're a wonderful man and no one deserves to be recognized for their achievements than you."
"I love you, Daphne. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just-."
She silenced him again; her lips lingering on his. "It's all right, Dr. Crane. I know how you feel and that's all that matters."
After one sweeter kiss, they held each other close, neither of them caring about the stares they received from the residents who passed through the lobby.
And at that moment, they realized that it didn't matter that Niles hadn't won the Sea Bee Award he so desired. Because they had given each other something much more wonderful; their hearts.
THE END
A/N: I had originally intended for this story to be only 5 chapters but my imagination got the best of me, so I appreciate everyone who took the time to read this to the end! Your support and comments are invaluable!
