Chapter 13 One More Night

A/N: Things get a bit mature in this chapter but it's pretty mild stuff. Read, review, and enjoy! :)

Unlike the night before, there was absolutely no sign of rain. The sky was clear and the twinkling stars surrounding the crescent moon gave the night the perfect touch of mystery and romance.

"How's your wrist?"

Niles pulled up his right sleeve, exposing the bruised wrist. "Still sore but it doesn't hurt as much when I do this." He started moving it in the circular motion she showed him the night before. "See. I don't wince as much."

"Good."

"Although I must confess that I didn't put ice on it like you told me. But in my defense, I passed out the minute my head hit the pillow this morning."

She giggled. "It's all right. I forgot to remind you anyway. Just make sure you get that checked out. As a precaution."

"I will. Promise. But you're right. Hopefully it won't affect my piano playing."

"Oh so you're also a musician? When were you planning to let out that little secret?"

"Um, never...Because I'm not a musician. I just love playing the piano."

"How long have you been playing?"

"My brother and I started taking lessons when we were both very young. I think I was about 12 or 13."

Not only was Niles handsome, smart, posh, well-read, an expert on wine, and a great dancer but he was also a talented piano player. The more she learned about him, the more attached she became and that had to stop. Under normal circumstances she would've allowed herself that kind of attachment but this time it was different. This time it was complicated. Yet Daphne was determined to enjoy whatever amount of time they had together before Niles had to leave England.

Even if it meant having to squeeze a lifetime of loving into three days.

"Where do you want to go now? The night's still young." He was secretly hoping she would suggest Balcony 99.

"I want to go home."

Niles' hopes were dashed in an instant. He replayed their conversation in his head, wondering if he said something to cause her to want to end their date so abruptly. I could've sworn we were having a good time, he thought. Maybe I should ask why she wants to go home. No, that wouldn't be right. I should just respect her decision, but dammit I wish I knew what I did wrong.

"Okay."

She snuck a look at him as they walked in silence, noticing how visibly upset he'd become. Every time Niles sighed in disappointment, Daphne faced the opposite direction to keep herself from laughing. She realized torturing Niles this way was just plain mean, but there was more to this date than met the eye. And he would soon find out what she had in store.

"Here let me get that for you." He walked ahead, opened the gate, and together made their way up the stairs. "Well, good night Daphne. I had a wonderful time."

Daphne, who was busy trying to find her keys, didn't notice when Niles leaned in for a kiss.

Under the impression that Daphne had ignored him, Niles, feeling confused and upset decided to leave. That's all the proof I needed, he thought. I've done something to upset her.

When she finally got the door open, Daphne turned around and found Niles walking down the stairs.

"Niles, where are you going?"

He turned around, confusion written all over his face. "Home?"

"At this hour?"

"I-I thought you were tired. I mean, you prob-"

"Oh no," she interrupted. "You're all mine tonight, remember? Unless you have other plans."

His face lit up. "No, of course not. I just assumed you wanted to get some sleep-"

"There will be time for that later. Come on." She extended her hand and led him inside. I wonder if Emma's home? They walked up the stairs quietly hoping they wouldn't attract unwanted attention from the neighbors downstairs. They were a fuzzy lot.

With keys in hand, Daphne was about to reach for the doorknob when the door suddenly swung open, startling all three.

"Emma!" Daphne yelled.

"Sorry love. Didn't know you were out here." Emma briefly looked away looking for the keys she dropped when she opened the door. "Here they are! Look, I'd love to stay and chat but I'm in a hurry." An obnoxiously loud car horn could be heard all the way up the stairs.

"Have fun," Daphne said.

"I will." Emma ran past Niles, who was standing behind Daphne. "Have fun you two! Don't do anything I would do!"

With that she walked out the front door leaving Daphne and Niles standing on the stairs in awkward silence.

She laughed before letting herself and Niles into the flat. But the instant the door closed behind them, laughter turned to nerves.

It was the first time they had been left completely alone in a room with each other. Niles had been successful at keeping himself under control when Daphne teased him in public but now they were alone.

And he was beginning to doubt his will-power.

He stood in the middle of the living room, unsure of what would happen next. Daphne walked up to him and put her keys down on the coffee table, keeping her eyes locked with his. Her pulse quickened with every passing second as they stared at each other, neither uttering a single word. She took a step closer and kissed him gently on the lips. Then she kissed him again. And again. And again. They wrapped their arms around each other as every kiss intensified.
Daphne ran her hands down Niles' sides and began pulling up his sweater, momentarily breaking the kiss.

"Niles," she breathless said.

"Yes?"

"Let's...go to my...room."

Niles stopped kissing her and looked her in the eyes. "Are you sure?"

Daphne knew that his departure the next day meant that this would be their only opportunity to be together. "Yes. You're mine tonight." She pulled away, tearing herself away from Niles, and wordlessly led him into her bedroom.

They stood at the foot of the bed, dancing a slow steady rythm as Niles quietly sang a few lyrics from "Woman". Daphne closed her eyes and leaned forward, resting her forehead against his.

She began singing along.

Please remember my life is in your hands
And woman
Hold me close to your heart
However distant don't keep us apart

They stopped dancing as Niles reached out, caressing her soft auburn tresses, and slowly, gently, drew her lips to his.

As they floated down onto her bed, the possibility of never seeing Niles again made his every move, every touch, every kiss more intense than the last.

It didn't matter if it was fate or coincidence that ultimately brought them together. They were in each other's arms now surrendering to their feelings.

Two young lovers for the night.