(Niles' POV)

As they sat with his father at Café Nervosa listening to the eldest Crane man discussing Frasier and Niles' soon-to-be stepmother, Niles found his mind drifting away from the conversation. Instead, his gaze was focused on Daphne. It was nothing unusual, of course, for he glanced at her at every chance he had. Although he loved Frasier and his dad, often, his sole reason for visiting the Elliott Bay Towers was to, with any luck, spend time with Daphne. She was always smiling and happy (unlike Maris), and oh so beautiful. Who wouldn't want to spend time with a goddess? But something was wrong. She seemed different… quiet. And as much as he tried to deny it, her quietness bothered him. It bothered him a lot.

He couldn't approach her now, not with his brother and father there but as soon as he notified Daphne get up and walk to the barista counter, he decided to take his chance. Casually he rose from his chair, pausing a few beats so as not to appear that he was following her. But as it turned out, Frasier and his dad were deep in conversation about something that Niles was completely oblivious to, nor did he care to know what they were discussing. It was, by all accounts, a blessing in disguise that neither of them noticed him.

He reached the counter just as she was about to hand Taylor, some money for her drink and he quickly intervened, handing the friendly barista some dollar bills. "Allow me. And keep the change, Taylor."

The girl smiled. "Thanks, Dr. Crane. I really appreciate it."

"It was my pleasure." Niles replied.

Daphne smiled and turned to him in surprise warming Niles' heart. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. You didn't have to do that."

"Well, I wanted to."

She smiled once again. "It's very kind of you."

He stared at her for a moment. "Are you all right?"

Her smile instantly disappeared. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Her sudden harshness stung him and he swallowed hard. "I'm sorry. I just meant… you look… troubled."

"No, I'm fine. I-."

But he could tell that she wasn't fine at all. He felt helpless as he watched her rush out of the café, unfazed by the looks she received from Frasier and his dad. And when she disappeared from sight, he made his way outside. He found her seconds later sitting alone at a secluded table in the corner, quietly sipping her drink. Clearly she wanted to be alone, but he was more concerned about her well-being than about respecting her unspoken wishes. Instead he approached her carefully.

"Daphne?"

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Dr. Crane…"

"I'm sorry to bother you. I-."

"Thank you for the drink, Dr. Crane. I'll pay you back just as soon as I can."

He shook his head. "No! Absolutely not!"

His firm words caught her attention. "What?"

"It was a gesture of friendship and I don't need anything in return."

Her eyes moved to the paper cup in her hands. "Well, thank you."

Boldly he stood beside her and reached for her hand. "Daphne, is something bothering you? I don't mean to pry. I'm just… worried."

She burst into tears, startling him. Whatever she was holding inside had suddenly gotten the best of her.

"I-It's your father."

His eyes widened and he could feel his heart rate increase. "Wh-what about Dad? He's all right, isn't he?" Suddenly he felt guilty for ignoring his father and brother. There was no telling what their conversation had been about. But-.

Now it was Daphne's turn to show concern. She took his hand and squeezed gently. "Oh, Dr. Crane I didn't mean to upset you. Your father is fine. It's me. You see, ever since I found that wedding ring that your father plans to give to Sherry, I-."

He leaned in, listening intently. "You…"

"Well, it's no secret that Sherry doesn't like me at all and believe me the feeling is mutual. But it's only natural that she wouldn't want me living in their house or even being your father's physical therapist anymore. But I-I can't…"

When she began to cry, he moved closer and put his arms around her. "Please don't cry. It will be all right. Dad wouldn't let Sherry just throw you out onto the street. He loves you."

She nodded. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. That's very sweet of you to say. I don't know why I'm so upset about this, but I can't stop thinking about it. I don't want to leave. I love working for your brother and helping your father."

He smiled, knowing that if anyone else had spoken those words, he would have been offended. He did, after all, pay half of her salary. But he knew exactly what she meant and he loved her for it, even if he could not say the words. Instead he did his best to reassure her. "It's all right, Daphne. Don't worry. I'll talk to Frasier and to Dad, okay?"

She nodded tearfully, smiling as he handed her his handkerchief. "Thank you Dr. Crane. I'm sorry that I'm so daft today."

"You're nothing of the sort. "Would you like another drink?"

"Oh no… I couldn't."

"I insist. Just wait here and I'll be right back."

Before she could protest he rose from his chair and went inside ignoring his father and brother. He marched to the counter where he ordered a cup of cinnamon tea. And after he'd paid for the drink he turned around and walked out, once again ignoring the looks he received from his family. He went outside, disheartened to find that Daphne was still sitting there alone, blotting her eyes with his handkerchief. The sight broke his heart. He went to her at once, handing her the cup of tea.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane this means so much to me."

He felt his cheeks flush at the compliment. "It was nothing."

"No…" she said, rising from her chair to hug him. "It means everything."

When she kissed his cheek, he hugged her tighter. "I'm glad, Daphne. Because you mean everything to us."