(Niles' POV)
Never before had Niles felt so depressed. And never in his life did he dream that he'd be giving an impromptu session in his brother's home to his junior high nemesis that had made his pre-teen and teenage years a living hell. It just didn't seem possible.
He shuddered, remembering the way he'd sat there, listening to Danny apologizing for years of torment. It should have been enough. Niles should have been proud of the fact that he'd managed, albeit inadvertently, to force an apology from the man. And surprisingly that apology seemed somewhat sincere. But for some inexplicable reason, it hurt more than ever.
Perhaps it was because of the fact that it had been so long since he'd thought about those horrible days, choosing instead to focus on his career and his marriage. But while his career had thrived, his marriage was in complete shambles. And to make matters worse, he was in love with an angel that he could not have.
With a sigh he blinked back tears, grateful that he was alone. But he wasn't alone for long.
"Oh, Dr. Crane, I didn't know you'd still be here." Daphne said as she walked into the condo and closed the door. "I trust that you and your brother got the bathroom in working order? I know that plumbing isn't your expertise and to be honest, I couldn't believe it when your father told me that you were going to try fixing it yourself. But I'm quite impressed even if your efforts didn't go as well as you'd hoped. At least you tried and-."
He tried to keep his cool, which would have been simple enough to do. For Daphne's angelic presence was always calming. But now even her sweet smile couldn't quell the feelings inside of him, nor could they stop the words from spilling out.
"It was horrible, Daphne!"
"Oh… I'm sorry, Dr. Crane. I-." She stopped suddenly and stared at him, her mouth open as though unable to believe what she was seeing. Perhaps he looked more pathetic than he felt. It wouldn't surprise him one bit.
And then to his horror, she put down her purse and walked to the sofa sitting down beside him. At that moment his shame was so great that he didn't want anyone to see him like this, especially Daphne. Embarrassed he looked away, but when he felt her fingers on his chin, he shuddered.
Slowly she turned his face toward hers. "Are those tears in your eyes, Dr. Crane?"
"Of course not." He lied. "I-."
Unexpectedly, her hand went to his cheek, lightly brushing away the moisture from the corner of his eye. It was the most thoughtful gesture he could have ever imagined. At that moment he loved her so much that nothing else mattered.
But amazingly the feeling did nothing to rid him of the pain and humiliation of seeing Danny Kinsel again.
When he said nothing, she sat down beside him on the sofa and touched his forearm. "What's wrong?"
Her sweet, whispered words made him sigh deeply and he surprised a horrifying sob. "I-it's nothing, Daphne. I-I'd just like to be alone right now so if you don't mind-."
The look on her face told him that she minded very much. He'd always opened up to her before. She was the best friend he'd ever had and he felt like he could tell her everything. But he couldn't tell her this. He couldn't fathom what she would think of him if he did.
Quietly she touched his shoulder and feigned a smile. "Well, all right. But I'll be here if you need me."
When she was gone he turned out the light and slunk down on the sofa, resting his head against the uncomfortable pillow. If only she knew how much he needed her, and would always need her.
