His expression was unreadable but she could see enough to know that it frightened her. He'd just been hit with what was surely the biggest shock of his life. Given his personality, Daphne knew that there was no telling what he would do. Knowing that he was about to become a father unexpectedly could quite possibly tear him apart. And suddenly she was desperate.

Niles, please, say something! Anything!"

He opened his mouth but no words came out. And then he rose from the table and staggered away. Frantic she tried to catch up with him. "Wait! Don't leave! Where are you going?"

He turned to her for a moment, wearing a look of confusion. "I-I…"

"Please! I'm sorry! I-I know this is a shock, but… can't we talk about this? I mean, we need -."

He staggered around the café, oblivious to the way she was calling his name. And he was even more oblivious to the looks of the other patrons. When his brother entered the café, Daphne felt a huge sigh of relief.

"Niles! Dear God!" Frasier ran up to Niles and gently grabbed him by the shoulders. When she glanced at Niles again, she shuddered. He looked different-and it worried her. He was struggling to breathe and his eyes were glassy. Something was terribly wrong and she was the cause of it. The café was chaotic, as though a medical emergency had occurred. Around her people were moving this way and that, all trying to see how they could help Niles and Frasier.

"Do you need some water?"

"Can I call a doctor?"

Frasier, however, took the whole thing in stride. He smiled and raised his hand, as though trying to silence the concerned patrons. "It's all right. I'm a doctor."

"Well why don't you do something then?" A woman snapped. "Can't you see he's delirious?"

"That's normal and he's fine. Or he will be eventually. He's just been given some shocking news."

Daphne blinked in surprise, amazed that Frasier knew why Niles was acting so strangely. Perhaps in his own way, he was a bit psychic too.

"Off you go!" he shouted to the patrons, who obediently scattered. "Niles, come with me, all right?" After a quick glance at Daphne, Frasier steered Niles out of the café, leaving her alone.

Alone….

She sank into her chair and began to sob quietly, pressing a napkin against her face in the hopes that no one would notice her. Thankfully no one did.

'Everything will be fine.' she told herself. 'Frasier's right. He's had a huge shock. And he can't be expected to understand right away. This was my fault, I'm the one who came over and seduced him, not bothering to use protection. I'm the one…'

But her lecture did nothing to reassure her, despite her best efforts. It was just as she feared. She was alone. She looked out the window just in time to see Frasier with his arm linked through Niles'. They were heading away from the café. No doubt Frasier was going to talk some sense into his brother, or else tell him what he needed to hear. That Daphne wasn't his responsibility and that she was to blame. Their images became blurred by their tears and she watched them until they disappeared from sight.

After a long while she stood and walked out of the café, grateful that no one had seen her. She decided against taking the bus. She really didn't want to be surrounded by strangers who might strike up a conversation with her. She was most definitely not in the mood for talking. The walk back to Frasier's was a long one-longer than a person in her condition should have been attempting, but she didn't care. The walk would do her good and would give her time to think.

She considered going to Roz's place. If there was one person who would understand, it would be Roz. Sure, Roz might judge her and tell her that she was crazy for getting involved with Niles to begin with, but perhaps Daphne needed the reminder. Roz would be a wonderful shoulder to cry on. But Roz had her own life, so why should she be concern over something as mundane as an unplanned pregnancy?

There was only one place left to go. Someplace where she knew that she would find support. She had to go home. It was where she belonged.

A/N: Thank you for reading "Drive" and for your inquires about when it will be finished. I am currently making minor updates to the chapters (but it will not affect what's already transpired.), and once I am finished with that (which will be soon!), I will start working toward finishing it. I appreciate your patience and your reviews.