Chapter 42: Daphne


Dinner a couple of nights later was a crowded, but happy affair.

Both Roz and Niles had joined them at Frasier's for dinner. Niles was riding a high, after a visit that he and Frasier had taken to see a lawyer Roz recommended. Daphne knew Niles had been sceptical that any lawyer Roz knew could do better than the high paid lawyers Niles already had, but this Donny Douglas had already impressed Niles enough after one visit that Niles retained him as his new lawyer.

He was raving about the meeting now, as they sat at the table.

"...and within just 5 minutes, Donny had Maris' lawyers totally backtracking on that whole couples counselling thing!"

Niles was grinning. Daphne couldn't help smiling too.

"Oh, and get this – Donny also managed to get them to set the divorce hearing for next month! We've finally got a date. This is the first real victory I've had this entire divorce!"
"That's great, son!" Martin was also happy for his son. "I'm glad that you're finally getting somewhere with this divorce."

Frasier came over with some wine and topped up everyone's glasses. Daphne sipped at hers, enjoying the celebratory atmosphere, but not wanting to drink too much, in case she got too careless with her affection with Niles.

Daphne had been sneaking small, affectionate touches with Niles all night; his arm, his shoulder, a slight brush as she passed him. She knew this thrilled Niles as much as it did her; the somewhat secretive nature that their relationship still had was a turn on for both of them.

Like now, as they sat at the table. Daphne discreetly touched Niles' leg with her foot. Niles glanced over at her, looking like the cat that got the cream.

Frasier cleared his throat, and Daphne returned her attention to him, still playing footsie with Niles.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you, Niles. But, we can't forget the person who convinced you to see Donny in the first place."
"Oh, yes." Niles raised his glass. "Thank you, Roz. Without you, I'd still be lamenting the constant delays of this divorce."

Roz smiled at the praise. Frasier looked put out.

"And what about me? I'm the one who actually convinced you to go down there."

Roz wasn't able to bite her tongue at this.

"Come on Frasier, you didn't actually do anything. You just told Niles to reconsider."
"Yes, but without my encouragement, Niles would have never actually asked you to arrange that appointment, thus never meeting Donny. So, I actually played a large part in this fortuitous meeting."

Niles raised his glass, for a moment looking as if to placate his brother.

"Of course, Frasier. Without your guidance, I might have gotten lost and never found the office."

Niles rolled his eyes at the rest of his family. Daphne took another sip of her wine, amused at Frasier's usual insistence that the smallest things that he had contributed to was to be celebrated as much as the biggest.

"Really, Niles. You know that I'm the one actually responsible for you-"
"Oh, blow it out your hole, Fras." Martin didn't seem convinced of Frasier's logic either.

Frasier looked wounded at the lacklustre response from his family and started to bicker with his father and brother.

Daphne got up and went into the kitchen, used to the sounds of their arguing enough to be able to block it out completely. Roz joined her, laughing.

"Oh, my god, Frasier is unbelievable sometimes." Daphne laughed as well.
"You should see the standing ovation we need to give him for bringing in the mail."

They both laughed again, having some more wine.

"Really though, Roz, thanks for suggesting that lawyer to Niles."
"Oh, no problem. And it wasn't that hard to convince Niles either, considering I know his weakness."

Roz winked at Daphne. Daphne giggled again, realising she'd probably had a little more to drink than she originally thought. Roz suddenly grinned mischievously.

"Also, I noticed you flirting with Niles tonight." Roz enjoyed watching Daphne's face change to embarrassed horror. "Don't worry, I don't think Frasier is any the wiser. He's so dense, you'd have to make out with Niles in front of him before he'd actually notice anything between you two."

Daphne shook her head.

"I should be a little more cautious."
"Hey, if you're having fun, don't stress too much. I don't think anyone here would be mad that you're seeing Niles. If anything, they'd be happy that you're both happy."

Daphne sighed.

"I know. Originally I was worried, that I could lose my job, or that things wouldn't work out and it would be awkward for everyone. But now I know Niles loves me, and that everyone always knew that, I'm not as worried." She finished her glass. "But, I still feel self-conscious about being with someone who is still technically married. I guess it was always a standard I held myself to, so I feel a bit ashamed that I broke that rule. I'm sure I'm the only one here that cares, but still."

Roz nodded.

"I get it. I have a similar rule for the guys I date. I did break it once, for this guy I really liked. I thought we could have a future. He was in the middle of divorcing his wife, and it was pretty bitter on both sides. We had to keep it quiet, so people didn't talk, or so the ex couldn't try and use it against him. But sneaking about didn't feel great."

They stood there thinking about this for a moment when Martin entered to grab a beer.

"They're really at it now."
"Oooh, have they started cursing in Latin yet?" Roz left back to the living room to watch the argument unfold.

Daphne shook her head with a smile. As much as the two brothers fought, they did love and respect one another. And even though they got really impassioned at times, the fight at the end of the day would never end up being too serious.

She started to clean, noticing that Martin was still in the kitchen.

"Don't want to go back out to the madhouse?"
"Nah, they can argue a little longer." Martin looked at Daphne. "You going to be home tomorrow night? Or do you have a date with your mystery man?"

Daphne blushed.

"I may have a date planned."
"He seems to be making you very happy, whoever he is." Martin sighed. "Niles isn't free tomorrow night either, which means Frasier is dragging me along to some gala." He grimaced. "At least Frasier will owe me one for next month when I need someone to drive me to a retirement party three hours away."

He laughed, before giving Daphne a knowing wink.

"Enjoy your date tomorrow. And I hope Niles has fun tomorrow too, whatever he's doing."

Martin headed back out to the living room, and Daphne stood in the kitchen wondering if Martin had put two and two together. She hoped not, but if he did, Martin seemed happy to play along and act unaware.

Niles entered, a little red in the face, and got a drink of water. Daphne gave him a small smile.

"Who won that argument?"
"Hmm? Oh, I did. Frasier knows nothing about cello concertos." Niles chuckled.
"I thought you were arguing about how much praise he should get for you seeing that lawyer?"
"Oh, I guess it started off that way, but then he made some comment about Boccherini's concerto number 9 that was glaringly incorrect. Obviously I couldn't let that stand, so..."

Daphne smiled as Niles explained, not really understanding the subject matter, but appreciating how passionate Niles could be about his interests. She looked around quickly, before kissing Niles on the cheek and heading back to the living room, enjoying the goofy grin Niles got at her small act of affection.