Chapter 45: Niles


As soon as Daphne left, Niles started to hyperventilate.

"Oh my god, I can't breath." Niles collapsed onto the couch and put his head between his legs, trying to calm himself.
"Niles, it's gonna be okay, they're just fishing. They've got nothing to go on, you heard Donny." Martin walked over and patted Niles on the back, trying to calm him.
"Yes, Niles, we're the only ones who know how you feel about Daphne." Frasier hovered, trying to sound reassuring.
"Today! Tomorrow, everyone else will know!" Niles continued to wheeze.

This wasn't fair to Daphne. It was her life too. She deserved more than to have her name dragged through the courts like she was some tawdry affair partner, to be scrutinized and judged by everyone.

"Frasier's not going to tell, don't worry." Martin looked sternly at his older son. Frasier balked at that.
"But, I'll be under oath! What if they ask me point blank?"
"Then you just say no."
"It's not that simple, Dad!"

Frasier stormed off towards the kitchen. Martin followed, still arguing. Niles tried to calm himself, but he was in a full blown panic now - the room suddenly felt too large, and Niles felt too exposed. Some part of his mind – he assumed it was the primal fight or flight part – screamed at him to find somewhere, anywhere, to hide. Niles glanced around. Spotting the piano, he made his way over and crawled under it. Almost immediately he felt his panic subside enough to where he could start breathing a little more evenly. It felt safer to be tucked away from the world.

Martin and Frasier came out, and saw Niles sitting under the piano. Their argument continued anew; Martin blaming Frasier for Niles' current state, and Frasier still being adamant he couldn't lie about the fact Niles had feelings for Daphne. A lot of the fight now felt like background noise to Niles as his brain worked to shut it out. Dimly aware of what was being said, Niles felt grateful that Frasier didn't know more than that.

Frasier ended up storming out of the apartment, slamming the door, leaving Martin and Niles alone. Niles was suddenly aware of his father talking to him.

"It'll be okay, Niles." Martin knelt down on the floor, so he was eye level with his son.

Niles looked at his father, feeling defeated.

"I don't know, Dad. It's not about Daphne finding out, really. It's-"
"I know, son." Martin gave Niles a knowing look. "Look, I figured out you and Daphne have something going on."

Niles gave a weak smile.

"Daphne thought you might know. How did you figure it out?"

Martin chuckled.

"You two are pretty easy to read. I've got working eyes, I can see what was going on."
"Great, that means that everyone can probably see that too."

Martin shook his head.

"Nah, it's only obvious to me because I know the two of you so well. Someone who doesn't wouldn't guess."
"Does that mean Frasier knows?" His earlier relief that Frasier didn't know much suddenly disappeared, and Niles felt panic rise again.

Martin snorted, amused by the thought.

"No. Frasier doesn't always notice anything that doesn't directly affect him. Sometimes I think his eyes are only decorative."

Niles tried to breathe deeply, feeling completely helpless about the situation.

"Well, come tomorrow, that won't matter. Frasier will tell everyone that I've been in love with Daphne for years - even before I separated from Maris. Everyone will know. I'll lose this case and be destitute, and Daphne..." Niles' voice cracked slightly. "They'll see Daphne as nothing more than... Treat her like she's..." He struggled to even say the words. Niles swallowed. "She's not. She doesn't deserve to be dragged into this. And it's my fault that she is."

Martin looked at his son, wishing he could help make this go away.

"Niles, that might not happen. And even if it does, you'll have us. We will still be here for you. Even if your boneheaded brother does screw everything up tomorrow and-" Martin stopped himself, seeing the look Niles was giving him. "Sorry. I'm not very good at this."

Niles gave his father a weak smile, grateful for the attempt.

"Not really. But I appreciate it, Dad. Thanks."

Daphne walked out from her room, and saw Martin and Niles on the floor. She looked worried, trying to piece together what had happened since she left the room.

"Is everything okay?"

Martin started to stand, and Daphne went and helped him up.

"Yeah, Niles is just having a bit of a panic attack about tomorrow. I think you'll do a better job of talking to him than I am. I'll give you two some privacy." Daphne nodded.
"Thank you, Mr Crane."

Martin gave his son one more encouraging look, before he headed off to his room. Daphne stood for a moment, glancing about.

"Where's your brother?"
"Stormed out in a huff."

Daphne got down onto the floor, and looked at Niles.

"Scoot over."

Niles complied, and Daphne squeezed under the piano with him. She took his hand and held it tightly, and rested her head on his shoulder. They sat there, quiet for a moment, before Niles spoke.

"You were right, Dad did know about us."
"Mmm..." Daphne sounded slightly distracted. "He's not the one we have to worry about tomorrow."

Tomorrow... Oh god, tomorrow.

Niles heart sunk further than he thought possible. He started to feel panicked again, but Niles could feel Daphne pressed against him in the small space. Her presence was calming, and Niles found himself able to think a little clearer than he had been since Donny left.

"It does seem like Frasier doesn't know about us, or your feelings. Just that I love you, and have for years."
"That seems to be enough to be damaging though."
"Yeah..." Niles sighed, disheartened at the thought. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault."

Daphne squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"We can't change that now, but maybe we can do something moving forward." She shrugged, and gave a somewhat hopeful smile. "I don't know how well I can lie tomorrow, but I guess I'll see how I go with Donny prepping me."
"I'm not asking you to lie for me, Daphne."
"I know."
"I'm sorry. I wish you didn't have to go through all this. It's my fault you've been dragged into this mess in the first place." Niles looked at her. "Are you okay?"

Daphne smiled, touched by his concern.

"I should be asking you that. But yes. I will be. Regardless of how this goes, I'm here for you." Daphne kissed Niles, before resting her head on his shoulder again.
"I love you, Daphne."
"I love you, too."