The second trip to Seattle (a direct flight this time) seemed longer than the first, but Frasier's thoughts weren't on the exhausting trip, but on his hurting family in Seattle and of those he left behind in Boston; his young, intelligent son whose heart must surely be breaking at the prospect of being away from his father.

He then thought of Sam; the kind-hearted bartender who had welcomed him and his family into his bar and thus began a wonderful friendship. Sam had always been there when Frasier had gone through countless tribulations in his rocky marriage to Lillith and even gave him guidance with regards to Diane. Frasier knew that he'd never find a better friend than Sam Malone and he would miss him terribly.

He could still remember the heartfelt goodbye he shared with his friend. Already emotional from his tearful goodbye to Frederick, he persuaded the taxi driver to stop by Cheers en route to the airport, where he was thankful that Sam had come into work early. Their parting was all too brief, but emotional just the same and they vowed to keep in touch.

After five exhausting hours, the plane began its descent into the Emerald City, which boasted a perfect day with light feathery clouds and an abundance of sunshine. It was just the sort of day that would make believers out of the skeptics who insisted that Seattle had rain 24/7.

Seattle may have garnered a reputation for grey skies and wet streets, but on days like this the reward had never been so great.

When the flight attendants announced that the passengers were free to leave, Frasier hastily unbuckled his seat belt and hurried off the plane, eager to get to his new home and get on with the rest of his life.

He found his way to Ground Transportation within Sea-Tac Airport, but with an annoyed sigh, he was dismayed to learn of the long delay for airport transportation.

The situation prompted him to take the elevator to the lower level where he tried unsuccessfully to hail a cab.

"Dear God, these people in Seattle can't still be celebrating some ludicrous basketball championship?" He grumbled.

He was about to give up when a silver BMW pulled up to the curb beside him.

"Need a ride?"

Frasier gasped in delight when he peered inside the window at his little brother. Niles parked the car and hurried to the curb where the Crane brothers embraced warmly.

"How was your flight? Tiring I bet." Niles commented. "I can't imagine having to fly coach, let alone that airline." He added with a shudder.

Frasier however couldn't contain his surprise at the unexpected transportation.

"Niles, I can't thank you enough for this, but how in the world did you know I was here?"

Niles shut the car doors and climbed back inside. "You called and left me your flight details, remember? I had a light schedule today at the office so I had Mrs. Woodson reschedule my appointments."

"Mrs. ... Woodson?"

"Yes, my secretary. Or more accurately, Administrative Assistant, although I prefer to call her a godsend." Niles explained. "She's only been working for me for a few months and already I've given her three raises! She's wonderful, Frasier! She came highly recommended through an agency of all places. She's so efficient and I've never seen my practice run so smoothly! You know, if you're ever in the market for any type of help, be it domestic or professional, I highly recommend this agency."

"I'll keep that in mind." Frasier replied as they headed down I-5 toward downtown Seattle. "But you know... I could really use a drink."

Niles rolled his eyes. "You mean you didn't get your fill of alcoholic beverages in Boston? I hate to disappoint you Frasier, but Seattle is not known for its bars, unless you count-."

"Coffee bars! I know, Niles! And actually a nice cup of coffee or a latte is just what I was thinking of! Boy I've missed Starbucks!"

The words made Niles cringe. "Heavens Frasier, must you mention that dreadful place?"

"Well if you know of something better..."

"I certainly do! And coincidentally it's not too fare from your new home. What's the name of your building again?"

"The Elliot Bay Towers, although it better have a spectacular view of Elliot Bay and everything in between considering that it cost me-."

"Yes, I know! You've told me! Several times in fact! Now do you want to go to this place or not?" Niles asked the annoyance heavy in his voice.

"Fine, Niles."

They entered downtown and drove until they came to Pike Street as Frasier looked around in awe. "My... Seattle certainly has changed... and I must say that it's changed for the better." He observed.

"Well just wait until you see this place! It's heavenly and I can't believe I found it quite by accident. You see, I had a meeting with a colleague and he was reluctant to meet at the office so he suggested this place. It's a little out of the way but I've become quite accustomed to it and have been coming here ever since."

He slowed to a stop along the curb and they got out of the car and walked along the sidewalk. When they reached the corner of Pike and Third, Niles stared at the structure and smiled.

"Here we are... Kensington Square, home of Café Nervosa."

Frasier chuckled. "Very clever name!"

"Isn't it though? I said as much to the barista but they didn't find my insight very amusing."

"Well, that just shows how much intelligence they have because I'm sure your insight was very... insightful!"

The Crane brothers laughed as Niles patted Frasier's shoulder. "Thank you, Frasier. How about I treat us?"

"That's very generous of you, Niles."

They walked inside and Frasier couldn't get over how friendly and calming it felt.

Almost like a second home, but so different than Cheers.

"Nice place." Frasier said as they found a table near the back, and he rolled his eyes at the way Niles took out his handkerchief nod began to thoroughly wipe down the wooden chair.

"What can I get you, Dr. Crane?" A friendly young woman asked as she approached them.

"Hello Taylor, this is my brother Frasier. He just moved back home from Boston."

"Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise." Frasier said, reaching for the young woman's hand.

"I'll have a half-caf non fat latte with the faintest whisper of cinnamon." Niles said.

"Yes, Dr. Crane. And you..."

"Dr. Crane." Frasier said. "I'll have a Grande latte, no cinnamon."

When their drinks arrived, Frasier drank his thirstily. "Wow, that's not bad!" he exclaimed.

"It is a nice little spot. I rather enjoy it." Niles replied.

"Well... hopefully I'll have a new job soon and I'll need a place to... hang out as Frederick would say."

"How is Freddie?"

"Oh Niles... He was so upset when I left... I don't know how I'm going to make it without him. I told him to be strong about this and assured him that we'll see each other as much as we can, but..."

Niles reached for his brother's hand. "I know it's hard Frasier. And I can't tell you how much it means to me that you uprooted your life to move back home. Dad is absolutely thrilled with the idea."

Frasier's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, all right! He didn't exactly use those words, but I know that once he gets used to you being here..."

"Just like old times." Frasier quipped. "You know, Niles... I did a lot of thinking on the plane, and I think it's time we got to know each other again. It's been a long time and I miss our friendship."

"I've been thinking the same thing."

"Perhaps we should make this a standing order, meeting here at Café Nervosa. How's 10:30 tomorrow sound?"

Niles smiled and touched his coffee cup to Frasier's.

"That sounds like a fine idea."

THE END

A/N: I cannot thank Melinda and Kristen enough for their insight/suggestions and to everyone who waited so patiently for me to finish this story! I sincerely appreciate all the reviews and comments and I had a lot of fun writing this AU version!