Chapter 2: Daphne
Daphne watched as Niles finished writing.
"I'll have to get changed to go pick up the prescription."
"No, no. I'll go, I'm already dressed."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to put you out any more than I already have."
Daphne was feeling guilty. She wondered if coming here was a bad idea.
Niles turned towards her. He hesitated for a moment, before he reached out and brushed a lock of hair out of the way and tucked it behind her ear. She felt herself melting against his touch, the sexual tension that has been building all night was still there. Niles didn't remove his hand, caressing her cheek.
"Daphne, I'm glad you're here. You'll never be an imposition."
She stared at him, the tone of his voice reassured her. Niles looked like he wanted to kiss her, and Daphne suddenly realised that she wanted him to.
Instead, he reluctantly dropped his hand, and smiled.
"Now, sit tight. I'll be back soon."
Niles turned and headed downstairs. Daphne found herself rooted to the spot, listening to the front door click shut.
Daphne was a whirl of emotions. Before her watch alarm went off, she knew they were moments from sleeping together. She wanted to, and it seemed like Niles did too. The alarm had momentarily broken the spell, but Niles had reignited it all over again in one simple gesture.
What on earth am I doing?
She hugged her body wondering if she was really that keen for a roll in the hay. Daphne had meant it earlier when she said that it had been a while; she had an itch that needed scratching. Niles seemed to have a similar itch. But he was also still technically married, which was an issue. Daphne always told herself she wouldn't get involved with a married man. Even if they were separated. But Niles was an adult, he was more than capable of making his own decisions. And if he wanted to sleep with her, well, why should she stop him?
What if the sex is bad? That'll make everything awkward between us.
Daphne knew Niles' relationship with Maris had been very loveless before his separation, and overheard him say once that he had very little experience before (and after) Maris. Daphne liked Niles and considered him a close friend at this point, even though he was her boss's brother. What if sleeping together ruined their friendship? It was a fear niggling at her. This could be a disaster waiting to happen.
Daphne walked down the hallway back toward the bathroom where she showered earlier. She contemplated putting her clothes back on and making some excuse to leave, hopefully to prevent embarrassment for either of them. Daphne stopped, noticing a door further down the hall that was open. She'd never really been further than this in Niles' home, and curiosity got the better of her. She walked down the hall and looked through the door.
It was his bedroom. The window was open, and there was a slight breeze coming through, pleasantly caressing her skin. It was still as hot as the rest of the apartment, but less suffocating than downstairs. Daphne stepped through the door, and looked around at a nicely furnished room; the king size bed meticulously made.
Wouldn't it be fun to help mess up those sheets.
A chill went up her spine at the thought.
The doubts from earlier started to fade away as she walked through the room, looking around. On his dresser a bottle of cologne sat with its cap off, the scent lingering pleasantly in the warm air. Next to it was a box that was holding tie pins and cufflinks. Daphne noticed something tucked under the box, almost completely hidden. She pulled it out.
It was a newspaper clipping; a photo of the two of them taken the previous year at the Snow Ball. Probably from the society pages. She looked at the caption beneath the picture:
1996 Seattle Country Club Snow Ball.
Dr Niles Crane and Miss Daphne Moon stole the show on the dance floor with their exhilarating tango.
Daphne looked at the photo for a few minutes, taking in every detail. She remembered posing for the photo. It was before the end of the night, before they had done the tango referenced in the caption. They'd both had a few drinks by that point and were completely relaxed in each other's company.
Niles looked genuinely happy. He wasn't looking at the camera; instead his head was turned towards Daphne, who had linked arms with him. She looked content and happy herself, leaning against his shoulder. Niles' forehead was resting against her head, his eyes closed like he was savouring the moment.
He looks like he's in love.
The thought shocked her. But no, that wasn't right, was it?
We were acting that night. Showing off to Maris' judgmental friends. Nothing more...
She looked back at the photo.
He did look handsome though. And that kiss...
Daphne touched her lips as if she could still feel the kiss from that night. Even if it was just acting, that was a pretty amazing kiss. Daphne placed the photo back to its spot hidden under the cufflink box. She sat on the bed and laid backwards, staring at the ceiling.
Maybe this isn't the worst idea after all.
"Daphne?"
Niles' voice was near the bedroom door. She sat up, not having heard him return. He came through the door, glass of water in one hand and one of her newly prescribed pills in another. He had a nervous, almost shocked expression at seeing her on his bed.
Daphne looked at Niles, seeing him in a way she never had before.
His hair was ruffled and unkempt like he had run his hands through it repeatedly. His white shirt was clinging to him from the heat, the top buttons of his shirt still undone from earlier; a small preview of his chest hair showing through. Niles' sleeves were rolled up, a look that turned Daphne on.
Oh my...
Whatever doubts she had earlier were now completely forgotten, and Daphne was right back to where she was half an hour earlier.
She wanted him.
Daphne stood up and walked towards Niles.
