Chapter 2:

Yesterday was devastating for Niles. Mel had kept calm about his prolonged absence for the most part in front of Frasier and Martin. But when they left, Mel had laid into him about how embarrassed she was that he just disappeared and left her alone with his family when they were trying to celebrate their marriage. Due to their argument (well, Mel argued - Niles just listened, not even attempting to defend himself), Mel insisted that he drop her off at her apartment, rather than return to the Montana together.

Honestly, Niles was relieved about that. His conversation with Daphne had left him in a poor state of mind. He struggled to fall asleep, constantly replaying in his head everything he could have done differently to have changed this outcome. Niles thought that he was miserable about Daphne's marriage before this. Now, it was like the wound had been ripped open and was as fresh and new as it was the night Daphne had accepted Donny's proposal.

Niles picked Mel up the next day at her apartment. He had hoped that Mel would be too mad to want to attend the wedding, but her constant preoccupation about her image, how other's perceived her meant she was going. The last thing she wanted was to raise questions as to why she didn't come.

So Niles and Mel drove up together. They sat there in silence, in their own thoughts.

Niles had already decided to end his marriage with Mel - everything that had transpired in the last 24 hours opened his eyes about how he rushed into things. Eloping was a bad decision. Especially for the reasons he did it, which were completely selfish in nature. Maybe he could continue a relationship with Mel after all this was over, but not as a married couple. They needed to take a step back. Niles knew it was most likely the death of their relationship, but the truth was it died the moment Daphne said she had feelings for him. Niles had decided not to broach the subject with Mel until after Daphne's wedding. The last thing he wanted, despite everything, was to ruin Daphne's day.

He sighed. Mel glanced over at him, still irritated from yesterday.

"I hope that you don't intend to keep this mood up the whole weekend. We need to keep appearances that nothing is wrong. That we are a happy couple."

Niles nodded absentmindedly. It didn't matter anymore. Not really. Mel continued.

"Honestly, I can't believe Daphne. If she had a problem with our marriage happening before her wedding, she should have said something to both of us. It was rude not to."
"I told you, she doesn't have a problem with-" Mel cut him off.
"You don't shanghai someone else's husband for over an hour to talk about their new marriage without it being an issue. I hope you told her we would be discreet so the attention isn't off her this weekend. God forbid someone other than Daphne is happy."

Niles didn't bother arguing. He had told Mel that his absence yesterday was due to him talking to Daphne about his new marriage, and her upcoming wedding. It was technically the truth. Mel had decided that Daphne was being negative, and had badmouthed Mel behind her back. Niles tried to convince her that wasn't the case, but there was little use. Niles went to say something else, but Mel had already returned to ignoring him, staring out the window.

This is going to be a long weekend.

Niles wasn't sure how he was going to make it through without breaking down. Mel would expect him to be smiling and happy every moment they were in public, and that seemed like an impossible task.

Just try and keep a low profile, and find some excuse to skip the ceremony...

They arrived in the early afternoon, and headed to their room after checking in. They'd been there for 10 minutes and Niles was already tired of trying to act happy. He spotted Daphne and Donny in the lobby when they arrived, and he almost wanted to turn around and leave right then and there. Somehow, he managed to plaster a smile on his face and make passable small talk with Mel until they left the lobby. Luckily, they didn't have to actually speak to Daphne or Donny as they was preoccupied with Daphne's entire family, so Niles and Mel were able to head to their room without issue.

Niles would have been content to stay hidden, but Mel had dragged him out to the gardens, determined to show off that they were a happy couple. Daphne didn't seem to be around, so Niles had relaxed a little, even though he couldn't shake the utter misery he was feeling. Before long, they were back in their room, getting ready and heading downstairs for the evening. Frasier had tried to corner Niles by himself a couple of times, no doubt to check on him and talk about what happened yesterday. Niles made sure that didn't happen. He wasn't ready to talk or even think about it. At least, not until the weekend was over.

The rehearsal dinner that night was uneventful for the most part. They found their table, which they were sharing with Frasier and Martin. Niles made sure the chair he chose faced away from Daphne and Donny. If Frasier and Martin noticed, they didn't mention it while Mel was sitting there. After they ate, Niles just wanted to disappear upstairs, but Mel forced him to accompany her during the party afterwards. So they mingled, and made small talk. Niles made sure they were always on the other side of the room to Daphne and Donny. Mel didn't argue about this, probably still irritated about the previous night. Then there were speeches, which were agonizing. The last thing Niles wanted to hear was how great a couple Daphne and Donny were. Niles for the most part didn't look at the couple, but one of the few times he let his eyes fall on Daphne, she looked so sad and alone.

But maybe I'm imagining that.

After the speeches, Niles was able to persuade Mel to exit to the bar. As they entered, Niles had hoped he could drop his guard slightly, the evening had taken a huge toll on him already. But no such luck. Daphne and Donny were already at the bar, sitting next to Frasier and Martin. Niles found himself putting on that same fake smile he'd worn all evening, and even mustered up a cheery greeting, resigned to powering through until he could escape. Frasier and Martin vacated the bar, to let Niles and Mel sit. Donny asked Mel to dance, and they disappeared towards the dance floor.

Niles and Daphne were alone together. They sat there quiet and awkward, listening to the band. Daphne broke the silence, as if trying to make things a little less tense.

"I love this song." Eyes closed, she swayed slightly to the music. Niles watched her for a moment, mesmerized.
"Where are my manners? Would you care to dance?" The question surprised him as it left his mouth but seemed to surprise Daphne more.

Niles expected her to refuse.

"All right." She stood up.

Niles followed suit, and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. He was reminded of the time, many years ago, where she taught him this very dance, and they spent an evening together arm in arm, dancing and enjoying each other's company. The memory of that night had been one Niles held close. Revisiting it often. A stark difference to this night, where he wanted to forget any of it happened. Except for this moment.

"It's been a while since we danced together." He sighed, forlorn.
"Yes, it has."

They lapsed into silence again, and Niles lost himself to the moment. Nothing else existed. All he was aware of was the music, the way they moved, how close he was to Daphne. Niles closed his eyes, and felt his cheek pressed against Daphne's. He inhaled and the scent of her hair filled his senses. For the first time that evening, Niles felt content. Happy.

"It's been a wonderful evening..." Niles murmured. For him, it hadn't been, not until this moment. Now, it was one of the best moments of his life.
"It's one of those times you don't want to end." Daphne murmured back.

Niles couldn't help but agree. But time didn't stand still, and soon the song ended. Donny came over, and took his fiancée's hand, and whisked her away to dance. Niles found himself back with Mel, falling into a similar dance. He found himself sneaking looks at Daphne as he swayed with Mel, wishing he could have just one more dance with her.

Just one more...

Niles excused himself when Mel turned in for the night, telling her he wanted one last nightcap. Mel didn't question it, and readied herself for bed. Instead of returning to the bar, Niles wandered the gardens by himself, lost in thought. Eventually, he came across a bench near a fountain. He sat, and just listened to the evening, not wanting to return to his room, feeling more despondent than ever.

He didn't notice her approach until she sat next to him, and a familiar scent woke him out of his trance.

Daphne went straight to Donny's after the caterer's, not wanting to see any of the Crane men after what happened with Niles that afternoon. It was embarrassing to say the least. After she arrived at Donny's, Daphne tried to distract herself from what happened that afternoon, cooking dinner and making sure their clothes were packed for the next day. That night, she found herself lying awake in bed, unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Niles, and replayed their last conversation over in her mind, and the kiss. What was her goal that day? Was it to run off with him? Get some sort of confirmation he didn't actually have feelings for her?

It doesn't matter. Niles married Mel. Regardless of what he says, I can't expect him to leave her.

Daphne didn't fall asleep until the early hours of the morning, and by then she had to get up. They picked Donny's parents up from the airport and drove with them up to the wedding venue. Daphne had gotten off on the wrong foot with Donny's parents already - the first time they met she must have seemed crazy; half-mad in a bathrobe, throwing someone else's laundry off the balcony. Daphne tried to engage in small talk with them on the drive up, but gave up quickly as she was too tired. Donny's parents were slightly standoffish, and while they doted on their son, they were polite at best with Daphne. She sighed, and closed her eyes, trying to sleep in the car on their way up.

Daphne suddenly became aware of Donny speaking to her.

"Sorry, I missed what you said. I was drifting off a bit."
"I was just saying, we should stop for an early lunch before we get there. In the mood for anything in particular?"

Daphne shook her head.

"Anything is fine with me."

They drove around the town near their venue. They weren't too far out of Seattle, but it was still a nice change of scenery. Daphne picked at her meal, her mind elsewhere. She idly listened to Donny telling his parents about the rehearsal dinner that night, and their arrangement for him to meet Daphne's family a little later that day.

"So, you come from a big family, Daphne?" Mrs Douglas was trying to make conversation.

Daphne smiled.

"Oh, yes. I've got 8 brothers. Never a dull moment in the Moon household."

She watched for a moment while Mrs Douglas leaned over and wiped Donny's chin. It was something she noticed when they visited last time - the way she seemed to baby him. Donny didn't complain, enjoying the attention. Daphne couldn't help but roll her eyes. It was no secret he was a mama's boy, enjoying the attention she heaped on him. Daphne had argued once or twice with Donny, who felt Daphne should be show him more attention, similar to how his mother did. Daphne didn't understand the mindset, she couldn't remember ever being the centre of someone's world like that, so it was difficult for her to do the same with Donny.

Maybe it's an only child thing.

They finally arrived at the venue after they ate. Daphne took their things to their room, while Donny helped his parents carry their bags to their room. She met up with Donny in the lobby after. Frasier managed to corner her when he arrived, to check in on her. Daphne managed to convince Frasier that she was fine. Wedding jitters, she told him. He seemed to believe her.

Daphne just wished she could convince herself of that as easily.

Donny met her family around 1pm, and it went smooth enough. Daphne was happy to see them all together, it had been several years since they managed to have both parents and all nine Moon children in the same room. It helped Daphne take her mind off things momentarily, and for a blissful hour, she completely forgot about everything else as she caught up with her brothers, parents and the rest of her extended family.

About mid-afternoon, Daphne caught sight of Niles with Mel as they arrived. Her breath caught in her throat, and Daphne found herself doubting every single thing she had been trying to tell herself the last 24 hours. Niles seemed to be okay, he had a smile on his face and chatting happily with Mel, before they headed off to their room. Daphne wasn't able to greet them as she and Donny were still chatting with her family. That was probably for the best.

Daphne managed to head up to her room for a nap before dinner. She slept easily, but found her dreams were of Niles. They had been nearly every time she slept lately. By the time she woke up, it was time to get ready for dinner. Daphne felt refreshed, at least. She just wished she could get rid of this feeling of misery and dread that seemed to get heavier as the day went on.

At dinner, Niles was seated at one of the tables close to hers. The Cranes were considered practically family, and were seated as such. Daphne noticed the seat Niles chose had his back to her. She glanced over at him multiple times during dinner, trying to catch sight of his face. Even though it was unlikely, she couldn't stop her eyes from looking over. After dinner, she made the rounds with Donny, speaking to everyone. Whenever she could, Daphne would turn and try and spot Niles in the crowd, not quite sure why she was doing that. He always seemed to be with Mel, on the opposite side of the room to her. She wondered if that was coincidence, or intention. When everyone sat back down for speeches, Daphne suddenly felt hollow inside. Everyone talking about how wonderful a couple she and Donny were, how they made each other happy... it all suddenly felt so false. She'd glanced towards Niles a couple of times. For the speeches, he had turned his chair around to face their table, but he seemed to be staring off somewhere else. It was a relief when they were all over.

Daphne slipped out after speeches to the bar. She ran into Donny on her way, who joined her. Frasier and Martin had already made their escape and beaten her to it. They sat down with them, and Daphne enjoyed having their company. She was going to miss living with them. Not long after, Niles and Mel entered from the other room, greeting them happily. Daphne suddenly found herself wondering how Niles was managing to get through tonight, when she felt like she was drowning. Frasier and Martin shifted to a table to make room for them. Donny asked Mel to dance, and disappeared with her to the dance floor as Niles sat next to Daphne.

They were alone at the bar. Not knowing what to do, Daphne looked at the drink in front of her as the band started playing one of her favorite songs. She closed her eyes as she listened, surprising herself when she spoke.

"I love this song."

Daphne became aware of Niles watching her, and she realized she was swaying to the music. She loved dancing, and it was hard not to move to the beat.

"Where are my manners? Would you care to dance?" It was almost as if Niles read her mind.

She considered saying no for only a second, before she responded.

"All right." She stood up.

Niles rose, and took her hand. Daphne felt like she was in a dream as he led her to the dance floor. Daphne found herself thinking of when Niles couldn't dance, and how they spent the better part of a week together, as close as they were now, and she taught him several different dances. Originally so awkward, dancing was now second nature to him.

Niles sighed, seemingly remembering the same thing.

"It's been a while since we danced together."
"Yes, it has."

They stood there, swaying together, feet following the simple back and forth to the music. Daphne relaxed in his arms, noticing how close she was to Niles. His breath on her neck, the warmth of his cheek against hers, and the gentle rhythm of their dance. Daphne closed her eyes, and allowed herself to fall into the moment. A lot of the dread that had been weighing Daphne down all evening lifted, and she felt like she was floating. She smiled, and leaned closer to Niles.

"It's been a wonderful evening..." Niles murmured. Daphne had to agree, if only because of the last five minutes, spent in his arms.
"It's one of those times you don't want to end."

But of course, it had to, and too soon. The song ended, the spell broken. Donny cut in, taking Daphne into a dance. He was clumsy, not knowing the steps. Daphne's requests to teach him for their wedding dance had fallen on deaf ears. Daphne glanced over and watched Niles as he moved easily to the music with Mel. Daphne wanted to dance with Niles again, the two of them seemed to fit together so easily.

Like we were made to dance together...

Shortly after, Daphne headed upstairs with Donny for the night. Donny seemed to be in the mood for sex, but Daphne wasn't. She excused herself, saying she wanted to find her parents before calling it a night, and left Donny alone in their room. Instead of finding her family, Daphne headed out to the gardens, wanting to be alone with her thoughts. She wandered, the air cool and the scent of flowers in the air. She wandered aimlessly, realizing how completely miserable she was, when she spotted him sitting alone on a bench in front of the fountain. Deep in thought, he seemed unaware of anything else around him, looking as miserable as she felt.

Daphne walked up and sat next to him, as he turned to look at her.