They stared at one another for a few seconds, and then he slowly moved toward her. Their lips touched for the slightest of seconds and then he drew back. The kiss was barely a kiss but it was enough to send his mind and his aching body (oh how he ached for her) into ecstasy. He had to say something, anything.

"Daphne, I-."

"Niles, I-."

He froze and his eyes widened. Not only had they spoken at exactly the same moment, but-.

"Y-you called me Niles."

Again her cheeks flushed. She lowered her gaze to the floor and then her eyes rose to meet his. "I don't think I should call you Dr. Crane anymore, do you? It doesn't feel right. Not after we-."

"Daphne, I need to say something." He hadn't meant to interrupt her, but if he didn't say what was on his mind, he never would. And to his relief she nodded.

"A-all right."

He motioned to the living room. "May I?"

She opened the door wider. "Of course. What's wrong with me today?"

Her comment provided the perfect opportunity for him to gently caress her cheek. "Nothing's wrong with you, Daphne. You're absolutely perfect."

He expected her to smile and, dare he hope, kiss him. But he did not expect her to sink into his father's chair and begin to cry into her hands.

The sight shattered his heart into a million pieces. He went to her at once. Hesitantly he touched her shoulder, completely unprepared for the way she rose to her feet and fell into his arms.

As always, he was there to catch her. He held her close breathing in her wonderful scent as his hand moved across her back.

"Daphne-."

"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane." She said, breaking free of his embrace.

"Daphne, there's nothing to be sorry for. You don't have to-."

"Of course I do! This whole thing, what happened between us was… it was my fault."

He couldn't believe his ears. "Your fault? Daphne no, please don't ever think-."

"But it's the truth, Niles! I was so upset over my stupid hair and you were being so sweet to me! I mean, no one has ever been as sweet as you, Dr. Crane. No one…"

Suddenly when he looked at her again, really looked at her, he noticed something different. She was different. And it wasn't simply because they had made love. How had he not seen it the moment she opened the door? He moved closer and reached out, brushing his fingertips through her hair.

"Daphne-."

Her chestnut brown hair, which had previously rested on her shoulders, was now at least two inches shorter, falling to just below her ears. The top was layered in a messy (adorable) sort of way, and when the light caught it, he could see the streaks of bright red that complimented her natural hair color. He sighed; giving her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

But to his disappointment, she turned away, embarrassed. "What's wrong?"

She turned back to him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I know I look terrible. But it's only hair, right?"

When he said nothing, she suppressed a sob. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I-"

"I'm sorry I look so terrible. I don't like my hair either, but the stylist said that this was the only way to-."

He brought her hand to his lips. "You look absolutely beautiful, Daphne."

"I-I do?"

"You're breathtaking."

"Niles…"

His next words were out of his mouth before he'd even realized that he'd said them.

"I love you, Daphne."