Chapter 38: Daphne


Daphne had spent a lot of time getting ready for dinner tonight. Because of nerves she kept second guessing her clothing choices.

This dress is too flashy. This one too casual, this one too hot to wear in summer. This dress is way too revealing…

She hadn't been this nervous when getting ready to meet someone in a very long time. Daphne finally settled on a shirt and skirt combo, elegant but understated. She had to stop thinking about it otherwise she'd change her mind again.

Daphne's talk with Roz the other night had revealed a lot about her feelings. She was about four wines deep when she admitted that she thought she loved Niles. The minute the words left her mouth, she knew it had to be true.

God, when did that happen?

She wasn't sure when exactly her feelings for Niles changed from friend to crush, and from crush to love. Her subconscious did a good job of pushing tricky feelings aside, not leaving Daphne open to potential hurt. It remembered for her the pain from previous relationships.

But ever since Niles admitted that he loved her, Daphne's mind had been eagerly pulling forward every piece of evidence that showed her that what Niles said was true; things she had noticed but never acknowledged. Then it started revealing to her the other side; Daphne's own feelings. The intensity of which she felt them confused and scared her.

Daphne didn't even realise those feelings existed until Niles uttered those three simple words.

It wasn't like anything Daphne had felt for anyone before. Not for Joe; who she dated for a year and been devastated at their breakup mere months before. Or Clive; who she was engaged to for years and seemingly considered taking back. No, this feeling was different to any Daphne had felt before, and she didn't know what it was. Love? Lust? Or something else? But saying it out loud last night confirmed what she felt.

It's love. Maybe even real love; all the other times just a cheap imitation.

Daphne finished getting ready, gathered her things, and headed out.


Daphne realised halfway to Niles' place that she was driving towards the Montana. She changed course, astonished how quickly his life had changed. Daphne decided she wouldn't mention the lapse in her memory that Niles had moved - reminders of his old home might depress him. That was the last thing she wanted to do that night.

When Daphne finally arrived at the Shangri-La, she felt nervous.

What am I going to say? How am I going to say it?

She found herself pacing up and down the hallway in front of Niles place for several minutes, trying to work off her nervous energy, and work out how she was going to approach things.

Daphne knew now that she loved him, but Niles was in the middle of a difficult divorce. She didn't know if she could start a relationship with him now, or whether she wanted other people to know yet. But Daphne also knew that now she knew how she felt, she couldn't keep it in, without going crazy. She knew he would reciprocate, and that Niles would most likely understand the rest of what Daphne needed to say and why she was saying it, but that didn't make it any easier.

It was one of the hardest things to admit, and Daphne was sure she wouldn't even fully believe it herself until she told him. Regardless of what she had already said to Roz, and herself.

Okay Daphne, you can do this. Just say what you're feeling. Niles will be happy to hear it. He'll understand everything. Do it after dinner, and a couple of drinks. That'll make it a bit easier.

Daphne took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Niles opened it. He looked handsome; well dressed as usual. He wasn't in his usual Armani suit, instead he wore a dark blue blazer, one she'd always mentally noted as her favourite.

Blue really is his colour, it brings out his eyes.

"Daphne." Niles almost breathed her name.

Daphne didn't notice until recently how much she loved hearing him say her name. Niles never shortened it, like Frasier or Martin did occasionally. Instead he seemed to revel in saying each syllable, every letter given attention and love as they are uttered.

No one says my name the way Niles does.

"Hello, Niles."
"Please, come in. Um, sorry about the state of the place, I've tried to make it as presentable as I could, given the circumstances."

Daphne entered, and looked around. It had undergone quite the transformation since she last saw it. Niles had unpacked most of his boxes, and several bookshelves now hid a large portion of the walls; covered in books and other objet d'art, as Frasier would call them. A couple of throws were draped on the chairs to help hide what they look like. It had the feel of a home office, which seemed to match Niles perfectly.

"Oh, Niles. The place looks amazing."

Niles ran his hand through his hair, looking slightly embarrassed, but pleased that she liked the décor. Daphne's heart skipped a beat at his action, wanting to run her own hands through his hair.

"Thank you, Daphne. I didn't exactly have much to work with, but it's tolerable now, at least."

Daphne nodded, then noticed a large piece of paint peeling off the wall above the kitchen cabinets. It was somewhat hidden behind some cookware Niles had put up there, but still visible.

"What happened there?" She pointed up towards it. Niles' eyes followed her finger, and he grimaced when he saw.
"Oh, Baby happened. I think she must get bored easier in the smaller space, so she's taken to trying to peel the paint and wallpaper up. I've had to get her some new toys to try and distract her."

Daphne glanced over at the bird, who was looking the picture of innocence on her perch. Daphne smiled, letting out a small laugh at the thought.

"She's such a naughty thing. But look at her; butter wouldn't melt."

She turned back, and noticed Niles looking at her. Daphne blushed, suddenly feeling self-conscious as she remembered her reason for coming tonight.

Niles smiled warmly at Daphne.

"I really appreciate you coming over to see me. Thank you, Daphne."
"I should be the one thanking you, for... letting me come over..."

Daphne felt awkward, nervous, giddy.

"No, thank you for letting me... let you, uh, come over..."

Niles seemed to have picked up on her nervousness, and was matching it; equally as awkward. He swallowed.

"Uh, would you like a drink?" Daphne nodded. "I'm sorry that the selection is not the greatest; I've been somewhat reduced to only what I brought with me when I moved for the time being. I've got scotch, brandy, red wine, sherry, cognac-"
"Maybe some red wine?"

Niles poured Daphne a glass, and topped up his own glass with scotch. Passing the drink to her, Niles seemed to remember something.

"Oh, just a second." He moved over to one of the shelves, and returned with a small wrapped gift. He handed it to her. "Uh, I saw this, and thought of you."

Daphne looked at the gift, wondering what it could be. She felt her face heat up, blushing at the gesture. From the corner of her eye, she could see Niles was still visibly nervous, and turning a similar shade of red.

She unwrapped the gift. It was bath salts. Her favourite scent; chamomile and lavender.

"Um, so you don't have to keep secretly borrowing them from Frasier's stash."

Daphne looked up at Niles, remembering the conversation they had recently; knowing he didn't have the budget to buy such things at the moment. She was blown away by the gesture. She opened her mouth to thank him, and the words she said next felt so natural, so right.

"I love you, Niles."

There was no longer any doubt in her mind. She now knew that it was true.