Moxie says: We do so enjoy sending these things back and forth until we
think we have an readable story. There are so many great N/D fictions out
there, every one with a slightly different take on the characters. Vick
comes up with most of our plots, and I add to them and do some editing. My
Mexican friend's English is super now, he puts me to shame that I know
about three words in Spanish.
Vick says: Niles sadly sees how his life is going to hell, how his precious belongings vanish, his car, his house, his practice, all under the power of Maris' legal team. He settles at the Shangri La trying to find the way to get over the heavy load that suddenly fell over his shoulders, but, what will be the price he will have to pay to get his life back?...
All legal disclaimers apply to this work of fiction, Frasier and its characters belongs to other people, although, we may claim the character of Jim Gillespie.
The Long Road: All I need Take everything from me, throw me out to the street But I assure you, no matter what you can do to me, Maris I won't go back, 'cause you see, Daphne is All I Need.
by Moxie and Vick
Jim Gillespie placed his saxophone on it's rack and rolled his eyes. He hated it when something interrupted his rehearsals. It was happening again.
Somebody was knocking at his door.
He walked to the door and opened it. He was startled to see a slim blonde man standing there. Dressed in an Armani suit, of all things.
"Yes?"
"Good evening," the man said formally. "I am Dr. Niles Crane, your new neighbor. Would you mind not playing that horrible instrument just now? I am trying to work."
"Jim Gillespie. New neighbor, huh?" Jim asked. He didn't know there was anyone new in the building. Gary, his last one, had 'left' a few weeks ago, rather abruptly.
"Yes," the little man explained. "I just moved in next door and I need to do some paperwork for my office and your noise isn't helping my concentration."
"Noise, huh?" Jim asked.
"Yes," Niles said. "Please, save it for another day, all right? Thank you." With that he spun around and left.
Jim shrugged his shoulders and closed the door.
He returned to his chair and took his beloved sax, and began the next song with all the force he could muster. That was quite a lot, because Jim...or Jimbo, as the others in the building called him, was six foot four and weighed over 220 pounds.
There was another knock at the door.
Jimbo sighed in exasperation.
"Yes?" he said in irritation as he opened it to find this Niles person standing there - again.
"Listen, Mr. Gillespie, I am this close to calling the police and reporting you for noise pollution."
"Noise pollution, huh?" Jimbo asked, folding his arms. Niles took a step back.
"I..." Niles stammered "Please, I need some peace."
"Look, Dr. Crane, I am hard at work ad-vancing my career here. Do you think I want to be a mechanic all my life?" Jimbo pointed at his beloved instrument. "I need to get a po-sition with a jazz band and this here in- strument is my ticket. People in the building say I'm pretty good."
"I guess after a few beers a screeching cat can sound like the voice of an angel," Niles said sarcastically, "but I can assure you, Mr. Gillespie, you have no musical talent."
Jimbo was about to slam the door in Niles' face when a sudden thought occurred.
"Hey, you're that shrink from the radio, aren't you?"
"No, that 'shrink' is my brother," Niles stated. "But if you promise to stop I will. get you an autographed photo?" Niles assumed a silly grin.
"Come on in, Doc," Jimbo, finally smiling, motioned him in. Niles just stood there. "Have a drink with me."
"No, thank you."
"Come on, I'm not gonna bite ya."
"By the size of your stomach I'd say you'd swallow me whole." Niles turned to run.
"Whole, huh?" Jimbo laughed and dragged Niles inside the apartment. "How about that drink?" he offered.
"I..." Niles stalled. "Well, just a quick one, and then I have to get back to my files." He gingerly sat on the shabby couch.
Jimbo was by the kitchen, which, of course, was in the same room the rest of the apartment. At the Shangri La the apartments were, well.cozy. Everything was right at hand, even the bedroom. All you had to do was to pull the bed out from the wall and, voila! - instant bedroom. In the morning, a quick lift and you had your living room again.
That kind of comfort made Niles sick. He so wished to wake up one day and find himself in his silk sheeted bed at the Montana. Not in this place with the ridiculous name where all the tenants were manual laborers with big egos. Like Jimbo here, the fat man with the sax, who had annoyed Niles since day one. Playing that thing at all hours as though he were. Bill Clinton. A total annoyance.
But not less a one than Martinez, the Mexican with the 'Don Juan' delusion and his endless parade of bimbos. Or Peter McGuire, the man with the hundred voices. The guy could fake everybody's voice, his included. The list was endless.
All Niles really wanted was for his situation to get resolved as quickly as possible. Then he'd return to his normal life, surrounded by his books, fine wines, his Victorian apartment and his ivy league social circle.
Jimbo was offering him a beer. Niles took it, made a face, and opened it
"So, Doc, how do like our little home?"
Niles wanted to say what he really thought about the damned place, but he opted for the polite answer.
"Classy." He sipped his beer.
"Yeah, you could say that, huh?" Jimbo said with pride.
Niles gave himself a mental pat on the back. Perhaps if he was civil with this portly man he would agree to be quiet, at least for the night..
"Yes, I am still getting use to it." Niles admitted.
"Gee, I can't wait to tell people the famous Dr. Crane's brother lives next door."
"I'd prefer that you didn't..." Niles stated.
Jimbo dragged his chair over to Niles and sat in front of him. The wooden chair creaked a bit but seemed to support him, for the time being.
"So, you meet the rest of the gang yet?"
"Yes, Mr. Gillespie, they all were very friendly the day I arrived."
Jim held up his hand. "Would you stop being so po-lite? I am not your patient, like I'd ever need a shrink, huh!" he said. "Call me Jimbo."
Niles smirked. "Ok, Jimbo," Niles downed the last of his beer and stood. "I have to go now. It's been nice meeting you, but I have to get back to work."
"Man, you really can't take a break, can you, huh?" Jimbo rose and walked with him to the door.
"Neither, I guess, can you." Niles shot.
The fat man laughed "Ok, Doc, you win. I will keep Little Sally quiet today."
"Little. Sally?" Niles paused in the doorway.
"My sax," Jimbo explained.
Niles chuckled and stepped out and into the hallway. "Good night, Jimbo."
"Oh, Dr. Crane, we all get together in the Entertainment Room on Thursday nights for some R&R. Join us sometime, huh!" Jim said as Niles walked away.
* * *
"I love you, Niles." Baby rocked on her perch, staring at Niles, who was busy with his paperwork, bills, mostly. "I love you, Niles."
Niles sighed .
"I love you too, Baby," he said absently, adding up the total.
With his accounts frozen by Maris' lawyers it was nearly impossible for him to pay all his bills. His credit at Armani, Hugo Boss, and all his regular stores was gone, his credit cards had been voided, and his credit at Le Cigar Volant had vanished. It was all gone, all but the bills, forwarded to him by Maris as a way to humiliate him even more.
Niles crumpled the paper and then breathed deeply, trying to remain calm. He needed to control himself. As his brother had said, maybe this was the price he had to pay for his freedom. If that was the case, he would do it, and then...well, then he would do whatever he needed to let Daphne know how he loved her.
Hoping she would love him too.
And if that happened, all the suffering would be nothing but a vague memory.
"I love you, Niles," the cockatoo said again, but Niles was far away. His mind left the building and flew through Seattle until it landed next to where Daphne was setting the table in apartment 1901 in the Elliot Bay Towers.
She was wearing a black cocktail dress with her hair in a pony tail. Her beautiful brown eyes were scanning the table, trying to find something amiss with the dishes, the glasses and the lit candles.
Soft music and her perfume made the picture complete.
"Do you know how much I love you?" Niles said to her and Daphne, surprisingly, answered...
"Niles sucks!"
Niles snapped back to reality when he realized what his bird had just said. It made him angry. That phrase had to come from one of the 'boys' in the building. Maybe Frank taught Baby that atrocity. Niles had left the bird with him for an entire day.
"What do you just say?" Niles asked, rising from his chair.
"I love you!" Baby replied. "Cookie, Niles, cookie!!"
Niles sighed and decided to skip the issue for now. It was late, and he had to take advantage of the silence his neighbor was kind enough to provide by not playing 'Little Sally'.
"Cookie!" Baby demanded.
"No, Baby," he said. "You have been a bad bird, and you will not get cookies until you refine your vocabulary. Now , if you excuse me, I am going to my bedroom." He then went and pulled his bed down from the wall. "There."
Oh, God. Here he was, talking to a bird and denying it a cookie, feeling miserable in an apartment surrounded by men he used to simply ignore.
Niles lay down in bed after giving Baby her cookie. He didn't have the heart to let his only companion go without her treat.
* * *
Eddie barked, trying to attract his master's attention, but it was impossible. Martin was watching his favorite baseball team beat the Yankees in the World Series.
The dog barked again and ran to fetch his leash, placing it at the foot of his master's chair. Martin just cheered another score and sipped his beer.
Eddie whined a little, and then barked louder.
Martin's eyes were still fixed on the TV.
Eddie was about to jump into Martin's lap when he saw his salvation coming from her room. The dog grabbed the leash and ran to Daphne, placing it at her feet.
Daphne smiled warmly at the pleading dog.
"Time for your walk, Eddie?" she asked and the dog barked. "Mr. Crane?"
Martin was still lost in his game and didn't reply.
Daphne frowned and snatched the remote control from his side table. She turned the TV off at the precise moment the Mariners' player made a hit and run on second base. Martin opened his mouth in shock and looked for the remote frantically. Then he looked up to see her standing there.
"Oh, hello, there you are, Mr. Crane."
"Turn the TV back on, Daphne!" he demanded, pointing at the black screen. "We're about to win!!"
"Oh, you can talk," she said in fake surprise, leashing the pooch. "I'll just take Eddie for his walk."
"Good," he said.
"See you later," she said sweetly.
"Daphne! The TV!" She threw him the remote. Martin juggled with it and finally resumed his game.
"Now you know how to make him pay attention, Eddie," she said while they were waiting for the elevator. Eddie barked, satisfied.
Daphne left the building and headed for the park, walking among people who were enjoying the first sunny day in weeks. The pavement was mostly dry, with some puddles here and there as a reminder of the days before.
Eddie was almost running; he knew where Daphne was taking him. That fancy poodle should be there by now and he wanted to play with her.
But Daphne slowed down at the intersection. She saw something to her right
Parked at the side of the road was a small red hatchback with its hood open. Water was pouring from the engine and a man she knew was looking at it helplessly with his arms folded.
Daphne couldn't believe what she was seeing. When Mr. Crane said Dr. Crane was having financial problems she never imagined this. Or the look in his eyes right now. That broken down hatchback was his.
"Dr. Crane!" Daphne said, trying to sound cheerful.
Niles looked at her in defeat. Too late to try to escape now.
"Hi, Daphne," he said softly.
"Problems?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes," he replied. "It just started doing that, I barely made it here." He sighed.
Daphne suppressed a chuckle. "Oh, come on, Dr. Crane," she said, leaning forward to take a look at the engine. "A good mechanic can fix that in no time."
He smiled. She always could make him feel better. "I guess you're right."
"When I heard you were having financial troubles I never imagined this." Niles shrugged shoulders while looking her in the eye. "Sorry," she said immediately, "I shouldn't have said that."
Niles smiled again and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry Daphne, this is just temporary," he stated, trying to sound confident. "My lawyers have assured me everything will be fixed in a few weeks ..." He sniffed, testing his nose. In a few weeks. The truth was that his lawyers had said a few more months.
"That's wonderful, Dr. Crane!" Daphne said cheerfully "But remember, all we need to be happy is right in there." She pointed to his heart. "Money comes and goes but feelings remain true."
Niles shook his head in amusement.
"Well, I will call upon my feelings and see if they can pay my bills," he joked, and they both laughed.
"Dr. Crane, you always know the right thing to say," she said, taking his arm. "Would you like to take a walk with Eddie and me?"
Niles grinned.
"I'd love to. It seems this thing won't be taking me anywhere." He slammed the hood of his car shut.
* * *
In a way, my feelings have kept me alive all this time, he thought while walking down the street with Daphne. When I was with Maris, or to be accurate, when I was living in Maris' home, every time I was sad, all I had to do was to think about Daphne. All my uneasiness just vanished as long as she was there with me, if only in my thoughts.
Niles snuck a peek on her as she stopped, waiting for the 'walk' light.
And, he continued thinking when they began walking again, when he needed a warm, caring woman, to talk to somebody, all he had to do was to show up at his brother's apartment. And there she was, Daphne Moon, with her tender nature, ready to listen and help.
He had survived the last six years that way, dreaming about her, trying to picture how their life together might be. Those dreams were always dashed when he remembered what Frasier had said about his love for Daphne. How he thought she was perfect, how he idealized her. He knew that wasn't true. She was real.
This was real.
* * * Daphne, girl, what are you doing?
Nothing. Just trying to cheer up Dr. Crane.
Two days before she had she overheard something. She hadn't wanted to eavesdrop but she couldn't help it. She was in the kitchen when Mr. Crane and Dr. Crane got home. She had been about to greet them when she heard Mr. Crane speaking.
"Poor Niles," the old Crane said, "I've never seen him this depressed. What do you think, Frasier?"
"He'll get over it," Frasier stated, his voice sounding tense. "But to think what that. woman is doing to him!"
"Yeah, I know," Martin agreed, sitting in his armchair. "Here he is, feeling miserable and we can do nothing to help him. "
"He is stronger than we think, Dad," Frasier stated. "I just wish all of this would be resolved."
"It will," Martin said positively. "He will be free from that witch Maris eventually."
"Yeah, I hope so," Frasier was heard. "But for the time being Niles need our support; we have to cheer him up any way we can."
Niles Crane was a good man, she thought. He'd proven that many times over. More than once he'd come to her rescue, being there when she needed a friend. The man really cared for her, and she considered Maris a fool. How could that woman be so blind to the treasure that is Dr. Crane? Daphne was sure that he would be the perfect husband. She didn't know why Maris treated him like that... it was a complete mystery.
Dr. Crane was her best friend and she would pay him back for all the times he'd come to her rescue.
She would cheer him up.
Anyway, she hadn't been looking for him this time, it had just happened, a happy coincidence. So she decided to put her plan in motion.
"So, where were you going, anyway?" she asked as they arrived at the park.
Eddie barked, asking Daphne to release the leash. His furried friends were playing nearby.
Niles shrugged his shoulders. "I had an appointment with my lawyers."
Daphne looked at him with worry.
"Oh, dear, was this a bad idea?" She stopped.
Niles motioned her to continue on.
"Not at all." He smiled warmly. "It was just a 'how things are going' session," Niles explained. "I can call them later. They would have called me had anything been resolved."
Daphne smiled. "And how are things going?" she asked,
"We don't want to ruin this lovely walk." Niles smiled. "For now, Daphne, all I need is to forget about it. A little rest would work miracles on me."
"I understand," she said.
"Please don't think I don't appreciate your concern, Daphne," he stated, stopping her gently by the arm.
"Oh, not to worry," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Perhaps you just don't want to talk about your personal life to your father's physical therapist."
"Nonsense, Daphne," he said sincerely. "That's not how I see you. You have been nothing but a good friend since we met six years ago, and that means a lot to me ..." He sighed. "It's just."
"No, it is just that you have listened to my problems many times and I wanted to return the favor."
Niles looked her in the eye. "My dear Daphne..." he said. "Believe me, this time with you is just what I need." He breathed deeply, smelling the air...and her perfume.
"You mean that?"
"Yes." He smiled warmly. "And I don't want to spoil it by talking about Maris or my money problems, so for the time being, let's just forget about all of it, Ok?"
"Ok..." She accepted that with a smile. "Let's enjoy our walk, then, Dr. Crane."
"But first, I have one special request, Daphne." Niles held up one finger.
She looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
Niles breathed deeply. Maybe he was about to spoil this time with his silly request.
"Would you consider calling me Niles?" He waited for her answer.
"Do you think that would be appropriate?" she asked. "I mean, after all you and Dr. Crane are..."
Niles held up one hand.
"Daphne, I know what you're going to say. I know, technically, Frasier and I are your employers, but," he shrugged his shoulders, "due to my present situation I cannot afford my part of your salary." Daphne listened intently. "So, for the time being, I am not your employer but your friend... and I am not your doctor, just Niles." He waited for her answer. "What do you think?"
She paused.
"All right," Daphne grinned. " But. only when we're alone. All right. Niles?"
The sound of his name spoken by Daphne made him smile.
"Fair enough. Thank you, Daphne," he replied.
They continued walking.
I guess he is right. Maybe all he needs is to disconnect from his problems for a while.
Eddie barked again and pulled his leash, this time, catching Daphne off guard. The dog ran free and hurriedly joined his friends. Daphne and Niles sat on a nearby bench.
"Well, it seems we're not the only ones having fun," she stated.
Eddie rolled over on his back in confirmation.
"It is funny how animals can be happy with just the basic things..." Niles mused, watching the dog in his play. "Like Eddie there..." He leaned back on the bench. "Just give him some food, some water, some four legged friends to play with, and the dog is happy. That's all he needs."
Daphne nodded. "But we humans are different," she said "We need more than that, don't we, Niles?"
Ah, how wonderful his name sounded.
"Yes, but basically, Daphne, we are similar," Niles placed his arm on the back of the bench. "If we have friends, food on our table and someone who cares for us, then we can live happily. We have met our basic needs."
"That's deep..." Daphne smiled. "But there are people who are not happy with what they've got."
"Dogs," Niles continued, "have no worries. They have no concerns, money means nothing to them. They have no lawyers, no pricey divorces..."
"Money moves the world, I'm afraid," Daphne sighed .
"Sadly, yes..." Niles said. "People are judged for what they have and not for who they are."
"That's true." Daphne was impressed by Niles speech. "But I know there are people who still care about the things money can't buy..."
Niles blushed slightly. "Me, perhaps?" he smiled.
"Well, yes." She paused. "You have been my employer for the last six years, but you have never treated me like your father's physical therapist. You have been a friend to me, all of you make me feel I have a family here." Daphne smiled. "My former boss used to remind me every day that he was the one who paid my salary."
"You never told me that before..."
"Yeah, he had no respect for his employees. It was what made me quit." Daphne finished her story, sighing. "I don't know what Mrs. Crane was thinking," she smiled. "If I were your wife I'd be looking for a way to get you back."
"Thank you, Daphne." Niles heart was beginning to beat faster. This was certainly something he never expected to hear.
She placed a hand over his.
"You have nothing to worry about, Niles, you will get through this," she said with conviction. "No matter how much time it takes, eventually, everything will be just fine..."
Niles couldn't resist taking her hand in his.
"I appreciate what you're doing, Daphne, I really do," he said.
I wish you knew how I love you.
She smiled tenderly. "That's what friendship means."
Niles came back to Earth.
Friends...
That's what we are, just friends...
"Would you like to get some coffee with me, my friend?" he asked mock solemnity.
She followed the joke.
"Of course, dear friend, I'd love that..."
***
Niles and Daphne sat at an outside table. Dusk was falling quickly and the wind was blowing softly, and it was a pleasant time to be sitting outside Café Nervosa.
The waiter came out to take their order.
Daphne excused herself to go to the bathroom after the waiter left. Niles used the time to think about what she'd said at the park.
"I don't know what Mrs. Crane was thinking... If I were your wife I'd be looking for a way to get you back."
What had she meant by that?
He was almost sure she was just being supportive. That had to be it; after all, she'd made it clear they were just friends but...Niles thought, what had she said earlier? You are different, you have been my friend all this time. Maybe she knows, deep inside, that I feel something for her...she saw beyond his snooty persona and found the friend.
It was true she cared for him. He remembered the tango, and that time when she helped him with his date with Phyllis and ended up having dinner with him.
His urge to approach her became stronger...
No. maybe it is not a good idea. yet.
She is calling you Niles, now, he said to himself. But, again, maybe she is just being friendly.
His legal situation was not yet resolved but he knew that his lawyers would end up - someday - setting him free from Maris. He would get his life back . He would be Dr. Niles Crane again.
What would Daphne do then? Would she stop being so close? Would her support disappear? He didn't know, and to be honest he didn't want to find out. Not when it all seemed to be going so well...
"Well, look who's here, Martha."
Niles suddenly wished he could vanish into thin air. Norbert and Martha Monroe were standing in front of him, fake smiles on both their faces. Maris' friends, who obviously knew what was going on.
Niles rose to greet them.
"Norbert, Martha, good afternoon."
"Isn't this a lovely surprise, Dr. Crane."
Yeah, like finding a shark in your bathtub. Niles smiled falsely. "It is always nice to see you." I don't care if my damn nose does bleed.
Norbert looked to his wife.
"Quite a surprise, Crane, since you haven't been home for some time now."
Martha added, "One of your neighbors told us you'd left the country for a safari in Africa."
Niles used all of his will to remain calm. He knew how to handle these people.
The waiter brought the coffee.
"Well, yes, you know there are certain things you cannot tell your neighbors," Niles said coldly.
Norbert nodded emphatically. "Certainly, Crane. It is better to avoid total humiliation."
Niles forced a smile.
Martha dug the knife in further. "Absolutely, we were discussing this with Maris just the other day. She is so busy these days dealing with lawyers, she seems to be having a flurry of . business."
"I'm sure," Niles nodded. "She'll have to hire every lawyer in Seattle to fix this one."
Norbert feigned sorrow. "Such a shame she filed for divorce, Crane."
There it was, the 'official version' of the whole matter, directly from Maris' forked tongue.
"Actually, Norbert, I am the one who filed for divorce," He paused. "And I don't care if you want to continue pretending to be her friend. I, however, have quit playing the happy husband for that witch."
"I don't know what are you talking about, Niles," Mrs. Monroe said.
"Oh, yes, you do, and please, stop calling me Niles, or Crane. To you, I am Doctor Niles Crane," Niles said forcefully. He followed them with his eyes as they left in haste. "And stop snooping around my building!"
He then spotted Daphne standing in the doorway. He could tell by her expression that she had heard everything.
"Dr. Crane?..." She sounded reluctant.
"Come out here, Daphne," he called softly. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off when they'd been having such a wonderful time. "I'm sorry about that."
She sat down next to him.
"I have never heard you that angry..." she said.
"I am sorry you had to hear that, Daphne," Niles threw a glance over his shoulder. "But those people wanted to ridicule me by giving me the 'official' version Maris told them..."
Daphne was silent, just looking at him.
"I am sorry..." he said again. "But I wasn't taking that abuse anymore..."
A smile suddenly illuminated her face that took Niles off guard.
"I'm so proud of you, Dr. Crane!"
Niles frowned. "What happened to 'Niles'?" he asked.
"That one deserved the title of 'doctor'," she said. "To hear you talk like that..." she chuckled. "Those two were blown away!"
"Thank you, Daphne"
She raised her cup. "Cheers, Niles"
"Cheers!" he said, raising his.
"Those two will respect you from now on," Daphne stated
Niles shrugged his shoulders and looked at her.
"I don't care if they respect me or not," he assured. "All I care about is the people I love, Daphne. Remember what you said? All we need is in here..." and he pointed at her heart.
Daphne's eyes twinkled.
***
Niles stopped at the entrance of the Elliot Bay Towers and looked at Daphne, smiling.
Eddie ran in circles around her feet.
"Did you have a good time?" she asked.
"I certainly did, Daphne," Niles stated, and then added, "we have to do this again."
"Oh, yes," Daphne started to the door but, when she noticed he didn't move, she paused. "Don't you want to come up?"
Niles shook his head. "No, I have to go. I have a dead car to see to, remember?"
Daphne nodded. "Sorry. I'd forgotten."
"I recall one of my neighbors is a mechanic, perhaps he will give me hand with it."
"See you later, then."
"Of course, Daphne" Niles started out of the building. "And, thank you again." And with that, he turned away, pulling his cell phone out of his jacket.
She watched him go and, when he disappeared around the corner she walked into the building.
She was glad she had been able to help Niles.
It was always surprising for her how, after a good chat with him, she had a feeling of ease. It was like the one you get when you miss someone so much, and then one day you bump into him or her casually.
Daphne felt like that every time she talked with Niles.
The man had been there for her every time she needed someone. He never treated her with anything other than respect. Niles Crane treated her like no one else, with a mixture of attention, friendship, and care.
Like. a queen.
It is a shame he has to go through all of this, she thought as the elevator carried her and the dog to the 19th floor. The truth was she'd never liked Maris for Dr. Crane. He was a good man, someday perhaps a perfect father. He deserves something better than Maris.
Someone like you.
That last thought startled her.
What? Me with Doctor Niles Crane? In my dreams, perhaps. I am just a friend, that's all. But yes, she continued thinking, someone like me would be good for him, someone who can see all the good in him. But. someone of his social standing. Not me, Daphne Moon, English therapist.
We are friends, yes, but. we are from different worlds.
By the time she got to apartment 1901 and unlocked the door, a thought was firmly imprinted in her mind.
She would continue supporting him all she could, but she would never aspire to be anything other than a friend to him.
Daphne closed the door and didn't know why, but. that made her feel sad.
***
Weeks passed.
For Niles, it was like struggling up a mountain, ever dodging deadly lose rocks and challenging rifts, using all of his strength to make his way to the top.
One thing became clear.
He had to get a better lawyer.
Then one day at Nervosa Roz mentioned an ex-boyfriend of hers.
Donald Douglas was his name, she said, and he was a piranha. The man, she told him, was a truly skilled lawyer who could nail Maris' legal team and get that divorce in no time.
That prospect brought Niles a ray of hope. His goal seemed so close; once the divorce was final he would be clear to go after his most treasured dream. She who was the only thing that made him endure living at the Shangri La.
The promise of a possible future with Daphne.
He would go talk with the man.
***
The day finally came, and an exuberant Niles Crane was given the best gift ever. One of Maris' attorneys appeared at his door to hand him back his life. Niles regained his car and apartment keys, his cell phone, and all of his credit cards, reactivated. When they were placed in his hands he felt the Shangri La experience melt away.
At last!
The lawyer left and Niles slammed the door with a flourish.
Time to get the hell out of here!
***
He ran out after changing clothes. His brother and father were waiting for him at his apartment. his apartment. to go out to dinner, in celebration for his victory.
Of course, there was something he had to do before the celebration. He had to go thank the man responsible for his release from Maris' prison.
So, with a triumphant smile, he accelerated into the Seattle evening traffic.
He opened the door to Donny's office with that same glorious smile. This man was responsible for his freedom; all he'd had to endure was now in the past. He could move back to the Montana! He parked his car at the entrance of Donny's office building. He was here to say 'thank you' to this wonderful man, whose skills had really bowled over Maris' legal team. And the man...
The man was kissing Daphne.
Niles stopped, frozen at the threshold. All he'd planned to say died, along with his smile. All of his hopes vanished, stolen by what he saw: Daphne, hugging Donny, kissing him. The pain pierced his heart.
Niles' bliss died instantly as the lovers' kiss deepened. All of his plans, finally free to ask her out. All of his hopes for the future suddenly became. nothing.
Niles closed the door slowly, trying to make no noise. The couple kissing in the office never noticed him and continued, indifferent to the rest of the world.
Niles walked out slowly, crestfallen. All his feelings ached to come out, but he held back, forcing them to hide behind his dignity.
He got into his precious black Mercedes and adjusted the leather seat. He started the German V8 engine and drove away from the building back to his apartment, to the world he'd fought so hard to recover.
He'd gotten what he wanted, but the price he had to pay was the highest one there was.
Losing Daphne Moon.
The End
Credits Scene
The camera pans across the living room of the Montana while zooming in, stopping at the dining room table where Niles is seen having dinner. He wears a vacant expression. The camera continues its movement to the right, revealing lit candles and a bottle of champagne on ice, until it stops on Niles' dinner companion.
A framed photo of Daphne.
Please send us feedback ...we'd love to know what you all think....send feedback to Moxie and Vick
Vick says: Niles sadly sees how his life is going to hell, how his precious belongings vanish, his car, his house, his practice, all under the power of Maris' legal team. He settles at the Shangri La trying to find the way to get over the heavy load that suddenly fell over his shoulders, but, what will be the price he will have to pay to get his life back?...
All legal disclaimers apply to this work of fiction, Frasier and its characters belongs to other people, although, we may claim the character of Jim Gillespie.
The Long Road: All I need Take everything from me, throw me out to the street But I assure you, no matter what you can do to me, Maris I won't go back, 'cause you see, Daphne is All I Need.
by Moxie and Vick
Jim Gillespie placed his saxophone on it's rack and rolled his eyes. He hated it when something interrupted his rehearsals. It was happening again.
Somebody was knocking at his door.
He walked to the door and opened it. He was startled to see a slim blonde man standing there. Dressed in an Armani suit, of all things.
"Yes?"
"Good evening," the man said formally. "I am Dr. Niles Crane, your new neighbor. Would you mind not playing that horrible instrument just now? I am trying to work."
"Jim Gillespie. New neighbor, huh?" Jim asked. He didn't know there was anyone new in the building. Gary, his last one, had 'left' a few weeks ago, rather abruptly.
"Yes," the little man explained. "I just moved in next door and I need to do some paperwork for my office and your noise isn't helping my concentration."
"Noise, huh?" Jim asked.
"Yes," Niles said. "Please, save it for another day, all right? Thank you." With that he spun around and left.
Jim shrugged his shoulders and closed the door.
He returned to his chair and took his beloved sax, and began the next song with all the force he could muster. That was quite a lot, because Jim...or Jimbo, as the others in the building called him, was six foot four and weighed over 220 pounds.
There was another knock at the door.
Jimbo sighed in exasperation.
"Yes?" he said in irritation as he opened it to find this Niles person standing there - again.
"Listen, Mr. Gillespie, I am this close to calling the police and reporting you for noise pollution."
"Noise pollution, huh?" Jimbo asked, folding his arms. Niles took a step back.
"I..." Niles stammered "Please, I need some peace."
"Look, Dr. Crane, I am hard at work ad-vancing my career here. Do you think I want to be a mechanic all my life?" Jimbo pointed at his beloved instrument. "I need to get a po-sition with a jazz band and this here in- strument is my ticket. People in the building say I'm pretty good."
"I guess after a few beers a screeching cat can sound like the voice of an angel," Niles said sarcastically, "but I can assure you, Mr. Gillespie, you have no musical talent."
Jimbo was about to slam the door in Niles' face when a sudden thought occurred.
"Hey, you're that shrink from the radio, aren't you?"
"No, that 'shrink' is my brother," Niles stated. "But if you promise to stop I will. get you an autographed photo?" Niles assumed a silly grin.
"Come on in, Doc," Jimbo, finally smiling, motioned him in. Niles just stood there. "Have a drink with me."
"No, thank you."
"Come on, I'm not gonna bite ya."
"By the size of your stomach I'd say you'd swallow me whole." Niles turned to run.
"Whole, huh?" Jimbo laughed and dragged Niles inside the apartment. "How about that drink?" he offered.
"I..." Niles stalled. "Well, just a quick one, and then I have to get back to my files." He gingerly sat on the shabby couch.
Jimbo was by the kitchen, which, of course, was in the same room the rest of the apartment. At the Shangri La the apartments were, well.cozy. Everything was right at hand, even the bedroom. All you had to do was to pull the bed out from the wall and, voila! - instant bedroom. In the morning, a quick lift and you had your living room again.
That kind of comfort made Niles sick. He so wished to wake up one day and find himself in his silk sheeted bed at the Montana. Not in this place with the ridiculous name where all the tenants were manual laborers with big egos. Like Jimbo here, the fat man with the sax, who had annoyed Niles since day one. Playing that thing at all hours as though he were. Bill Clinton. A total annoyance.
But not less a one than Martinez, the Mexican with the 'Don Juan' delusion and his endless parade of bimbos. Or Peter McGuire, the man with the hundred voices. The guy could fake everybody's voice, his included. The list was endless.
All Niles really wanted was for his situation to get resolved as quickly as possible. Then he'd return to his normal life, surrounded by his books, fine wines, his Victorian apartment and his ivy league social circle.
Jimbo was offering him a beer. Niles took it, made a face, and opened it
"So, Doc, how do like our little home?"
Niles wanted to say what he really thought about the damned place, but he opted for the polite answer.
"Classy." He sipped his beer.
"Yeah, you could say that, huh?" Jimbo said with pride.
Niles gave himself a mental pat on the back. Perhaps if he was civil with this portly man he would agree to be quiet, at least for the night..
"Yes, I am still getting use to it." Niles admitted.
"Gee, I can't wait to tell people the famous Dr. Crane's brother lives next door."
"I'd prefer that you didn't..." Niles stated.
Jimbo dragged his chair over to Niles and sat in front of him. The wooden chair creaked a bit but seemed to support him, for the time being.
"So, you meet the rest of the gang yet?"
"Yes, Mr. Gillespie, they all were very friendly the day I arrived."
Jim held up his hand. "Would you stop being so po-lite? I am not your patient, like I'd ever need a shrink, huh!" he said. "Call me Jimbo."
Niles smirked. "Ok, Jimbo," Niles downed the last of his beer and stood. "I have to go now. It's been nice meeting you, but I have to get back to work."
"Man, you really can't take a break, can you, huh?" Jimbo rose and walked with him to the door.
"Neither, I guess, can you." Niles shot.
The fat man laughed "Ok, Doc, you win. I will keep Little Sally quiet today."
"Little. Sally?" Niles paused in the doorway.
"My sax," Jimbo explained.
Niles chuckled and stepped out and into the hallway. "Good night, Jimbo."
"Oh, Dr. Crane, we all get together in the Entertainment Room on Thursday nights for some R&R. Join us sometime, huh!" Jim said as Niles walked away.
* * *
"I love you, Niles." Baby rocked on her perch, staring at Niles, who was busy with his paperwork, bills, mostly. "I love you, Niles."
Niles sighed .
"I love you too, Baby," he said absently, adding up the total.
With his accounts frozen by Maris' lawyers it was nearly impossible for him to pay all his bills. His credit at Armani, Hugo Boss, and all his regular stores was gone, his credit cards had been voided, and his credit at Le Cigar Volant had vanished. It was all gone, all but the bills, forwarded to him by Maris as a way to humiliate him even more.
Niles crumpled the paper and then breathed deeply, trying to remain calm. He needed to control himself. As his brother had said, maybe this was the price he had to pay for his freedom. If that was the case, he would do it, and then...well, then he would do whatever he needed to let Daphne know how he loved her.
Hoping she would love him too.
And if that happened, all the suffering would be nothing but a vague memory.
"I love you, Niles," the cockatoo said again, but Niles was far away. His mind left the building and flew through Seattle until it landed next to where Daphne was setting the table in apartment 1901 in the Elliot Bay Towers.
She was wearing a black cocktail dress with her hair in a pony tail. Her beautiful brown eyes were scanning the table, trying to find something amiss with the dishes, the glasses and the lit candles.
Soft music and her perfume made the picture complete.
"Do you know how much I love you?" Niles said to her and Daphne, surprisingly, answered...
"Niles sucks!"
Niles snapped back to reality when he realized what his bird had just said. It made him angry. That phrase had to come from one of the 'boys' in the building. Maybe Frank taught Baby that atrocity. Niles had left the bird with him for an entire day.
"What do you just say?" Niles asked, rising from his chair.
"I love you!" Baby replied. "Cookie, Niles, cookie!!"
Niles sighed and decided to skip the issue for now. It was late, and he had to take advantage of the silence his neighbor was kind enough to provide by not playing 'Little Sally'.
"Cookie!" Baby demanded.
"No, Baby," he said. "You have been a bad bird, and you will not get cookies until you refine your vocabulary. Now , if you excuse me, I am going to my bedroom." He then went and pulled his bed down from the wall. "There."
Oh, God. Here he was, talking to a bird and denying it a cookie, feeling miserable in an apartment surrounded by men he used to simply ignore.
Niles lay down in bed after giving Baby her cookie. He didn't have the heart to let his only companion go without her treat.
* * *
Eddie barked, trying to attract his master's attention, but it was impossible. Martin was watching his favorite baseball team beat the Yankees in the World Series.
The dog barked again and ran to fetch his leash, placing it at the foot of his master's chair. Martin just cheered another score and sipped his beer.
Eddie whined a little, and then barked louder.
Martin's eyes were still fixed on the TV.
Eddie was about to jump into Martin's lap when he saw his salvation coming from her room. The dog grabbed the leash and ran to Daphne, placing it at her feet.
Daphne smiled warmly at the pleading dog.
"Time for your walk, Eddie?" she asked and the dog barked. "Mr. Crane?"
Martin was still lost in his game and didn't reply.
Daphne frowned and snatched the remote control from his side table. She turned the TV off at the precise moment the Mariners' player made a hit and run on second base. Martin opened his mouth in shock and looked for the remote frantically. Then he looked up to see her standing there.
"Oh, hello, there you are, Mr. Crane."
"Turn the TV back on, Daphne!" he demanded, pointing at the black screen. "We're about to win!!"
"Oh, you can talk," she said in fake surprise, leashing the pooch. "I'll just take Eddie for his walk."
"Good," he said.
"See you later," she said sweetly.
"Daphne! The TV!" She threw him the remote. Martin juggled with it and finally resumed his game.
"Now you know how to make him pay attention, Eddie," she said while they were waiting for the elevator. Eddie barked, satisfied.
Daphne left the building and headed for the park, walking among people who were enjoying the first sunny day in weeks. The pavement was mostly dry, with some puddles here and there as a reminder of the days before.
Eddie was almost running; he knew where Daphne was taking him. That fancy poodle should be there by now and he wanted to play with her.
But Daphne slowed down at the intersection. She saw something to her right
Parked at the side of the road was a small red hatchback with its hood open. Water was pouring from the engine and a man she knew was looking at it helplessly with his arms folded.
Daphne couldn't believe what she was seeing. When Mr. Crane said Dr. Crane was having financial problems she never imagined this. Or the look in his eyes right now. That broken down hatchback was his.
"Dr. Crane!" Daphne said, trying to sound cheerful.
Niles looked at her in defeat. Too late to try to escape now.
"Hi, Daphne," he said softly.
"Problems?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes," he replied. "It just started doing that, I barely made it here." He sighed.
Daphne suppressed a chuckle. "Oh, come on, Dr. Crane," she said, leaning forward to take a look at the engine. "A good mechanic can fix that in no time."
He smiled. She always could make him feel better. "I guess you're right."
"When I heard you were having financial troubles I never imagined this." Niles shrugged shoulders while looking her in the eye. "Sorry," she said immediately, "I shouldn't have said that."
Niles smiled again and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry Daphne, this is just temporary," he stated, trying to sound confident. "My lawyers have assured me everything will be fixed in a few weeks ..." He sniffed, testing his nose. In a few weeks. The truth was that his lawyers had said a few more months.
"That's wonderful, Dr. Crane!" Daphne said cheerfully "But remember, all we need to be happy is right in there." She pointed to his heart. "Money comes and goes but feelings remain true."
Niles shook his head in amusement.
"Well, I will call upon my feelings and see if they can pay my bills," he joked, and they both laughed.
"Dr. Crane, you always know the right thing to say," she said, taking his arm. "Would you like to take a walk with Eddie and me?"
Niles grinned.
"I'd love to. It seems this thing won't be taking me anywhere." He slammed the hood of his car shut.
* * *
In a way, my feelings have kept me alive all this time, he thought while walking down the street with Daphne. When I was with Maris, or to be accurate, when I was living in Maris' home, every time I was sad, all I had to do was to think about Daphne. All my uneasiness just vanished as long as she was there with me, if only in my thoughts.
Niles snuck a peek on her as she stopped, waiting for the 'walk' light.
And, he continued thinking when they began walking again, when he needed a warm, caring woman, to talk to somebody, all he had to do was to show up at his brother's apartment. And there she was, Daphne Moon, with her tender nature, ready to listen and help.
He had survived the last six years that way, dreaming about her, trying to picture how their life together might be. Those dreams were always dashed when he remembered what Frasier had said about his love for Daphne. How he thought she was perfect, how he idealized her. He knew that wasn't true. She was real.
This was real.
* * * Daphne, girl, what are you doing?
Nothing. Just trying to cheer up Dr. Crane.
Two days before she had she overheard something. She hadn't wanted to eavesdrop but she couldn't help it. She was in the kitchen when Mr. Crane and Dr. Crane got home. She had been about to greet them when she heard Mr. Crane speaking.
"Poor Niles," the old Crane said, "I've never seen him this depressed. What do you think, Frasier?"
"He'll get over it," Frasier stated, his voice sounding tense. "But to think what that. woman is doing to him!"
"Yeah, I know," Martin agreed, sitting in his armchair. "Here he is, feeling miserable and we can do nothing to help him. "
"He is stronger than we think, Dad," Frasier stated. "I just wish all of this would be resolved."
"It will," Martin said positively. "He will be free from that witch Maris eventually."
"Yeah, I hope so," Frasier was heard. "But for the time being Niles need our support; we have to cheer him up any way we can."
Niles Crane was a good man, she thought. He'd proven that many times over. More than once he'd come to her rescue, being there when she needed a friend. The man really cared for her, and she considered Maris a fool. How could that woman be so blind to the treasure that is Dr. Crane? Daphne was sure that he would be the perfect husband. She didn't know why Maris treated him like that... it was a complete mystery.
Dr. Crane was her best friend and she would pay him back for all the times he'd come to her rescue.
She would cheer him up.
Anyway, she hadn't been looking for him this time, it had just happened, a happy coincidence. So she decided to put her plan in motion.
"So, where were you going, anyway?" she asked as they arrived at the park.
Eddie barked, asking Daphne to release the leash. His furried friends were playing nearby.
Niles shrugged his shoulders. "I had an appointment with my lawyers."
Daphne looked at him with worry.
"Oh, dear, was this a bad idea?" She stopped.
Niles motioned her to continue on.
"Not at all." He smiled warmly. "It was just a 'how things are going' session," Niles explained. "I can call them later. They would have called me had anything been resolved."
Daphne smiled. "And how are things going?" she asked,
"We don't want to ruin this lovely walk." Niles smiled. "For now, Daphne, all I need is to forget about it. A little rest would work miracles on me."
"I understand," she said.
"Please don't think I don't appreciate your concern, Daphne," he stated, stopping her gently by the arm.
"Oh, not to worry," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Perhaps you just don't want to talk about your personal life to your father's physical therapist."
"Nonsense, Daphne," he said sincerely. "That's not how I see you. You have been nothing but a good friend since we met six years ago, and that means a lot to me ..." He sighed. "It's just."
"No, it is just that you have listened to my problems many times and I wanted to return the favor."
Niles looked her in the eye. "My dear Daphne..." he said. "Believe me, this time with you is just what I need." He breathed deeply, smelling the air...and her perfume.
"You mean that?"
"Yes." He smiled warmly. "And I don't want to spoil it by talking about Maris or my money problems, so for the time being, let's just forget about all of it, Ok?"
"Ok..." She accepted that with a smile. "Let's enjoy our walk, then, Dr. Crane."
"But first, I have one special request, Daphne." Niles held up one finger.
She looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
Niles breathed deeply. Maybe he was about to spoil this time with his silly request.
"Would you consider calling me Niles?" He waited for her answer.
"Do you think that would be appropriate?" she asked. "I mean, after all you and Dr. Crane are..."
Niles held up one hand.
"Daphne, I know what you're going to say. I know, technically, Frasier and I are your employers, but," he shrugged his shoulders, "due to my present situation I cannot afford my part of your salary." Daphne listened intently. "So, for the time being, I am not your employer but your friend... and I am not your doctor, just Niles." He waited for her answer. "What do you think?"
She paused.
"All right," Daphne grinned. " But. only when we're alone. All right. Niles?"
The sound of his name spoken by Daphne made him smile.
"Fair enough. Thank you, Daphne," he replied.
They continued walking.
I guess he is right. Maybe all he needs is to disconnect from his problems for a while.
Eddie barked again and pulled his leash, this time, catching Daphne off guard. The dog ran free and hurriedly joined his friends. Daphne and Niles sat on a nearby bench.
"Well, it seems we're not the only ones having fun," she stated.
Eddie rolled over on his back in confirmation.
"It is funny how animals can be happy with just the basic things..." Niles mused, watching the dog in his play. "Like Eddie there..." He leaned back on the bench. "Just give him some food, some water, some four legged friends to play with, and the dog is happy. That's all he needs."
Daphne nodded. "But we humans are different," she said "We need more than that, don't we, Niles?"
Ah, how wonderful his name sounded.
"Yes, but basically, Daphne, we are similar," Niles placed his arm on the back of the bench. "If we have friends, food on our table and someone who cares for us, then we can live happily. We have met our basic needs."
"That's deep..." Daphne smiled. "But there are people who are not happy with what they've got."
"Dogs," Niles continued, "have no worries. They have no concerns, money means nothing to them. They have no lawyers, no pricey divorces..."
"Money moves the world, I'm afraid," Daphne sighed .
"Sadly, yes..." Niles said. "People are judged for what they have and not for who they are."
"That's true." Daphne was impressed by Niles speech. "But I know there are people who still care about the things money can't buy..."
Niles blushed slightly. "Me, perhaps?" he smiled.
"Well, yes." She paused. "You have been my employer for the last six years, but you have never treated me like your father's physical therapist. You have been a friend to me, all of you make me feel I have a family here." Daphne smiled. "My former boss used to remind me every day that he was the one who paid my salary."
"You never told me that before..."
"Yeah, he had no respect for his employees. It was what made me quit." Daphne finished her story, sighing. "I don't know what Mrs. Crane was thinking," she smiled. "If I were your wife I'd be looking for a way to get you back."
"Thank you, Daphne." Niles heart was beginning to beat faster. This was certainly something he never expected to hear.
She placed a hand over his.
"You have nothing to worry about, Niles, you will get through this," she said with conviction. "No matter how much time it takes, eventually, everything will be just fine..."
Niles couldn't resist taking her hand in his.
"I appreciate what you're doing, Daphne, I really do," he said.
I wish you knew how I love you.
She smiled tenderly. "That's what friendship means."
Niles came back to Earth.
Friends...
That's what we are, just friends...
"Would you like to get some coffee with me, my friend?" he asked mock solemnity.
She followed the joke.
"Of course, dear friend, I'd love that..."
***
Niles and Daphne sat at an outside table. Dusk was falling quickly and the wind was blowing softly, and it was a pleasant time to be sitting outside Café Nervosa.
The waiter came out to take their order.
Daphne excused herself to go to the bathroom after the waiter left. Niles used the time to think about what she'd said at the park.
"I don't know what Mrs. Crane was thinking... If I were your wife I'd be looking for a way to get you back."
What had she meant by that?
He was almost sure she was just being supportive. That had to be it; after all, she'd made it clear they were just friends but...Niles thought, what had she said earlier? You are different, you have been my friend all this time. Maybe she knows, deep inside, that I feel something for her...she saw beyond his snooty persona and found the friend.
It was true she cared for him. He remembered the tango, and that time when she helped him with his date with Phyllis and ended up having dinner with him.
His urge to approach her became stronger...
No. maybe it is not a good idea. yet.
She is calling you Niles, now, he said to himself. But, again, maybe she is just being friendly.
His legal situation was not yet resolved but he knew that his lawyers would end up - someday - setting him free from Maris. He would get his life back . He would be Dr. Niles Crane again.
What would Daphne do then? Would she stop being so close? Would her support disappear? He didn't know, and to be honest he didn't want to find out. Not when it all seemed to be going so well...
"Well, look who's here, Martha."
Niles suddenly wished he could vanish into thin air. Norbert and Martha Monroe were standing in front of him, fake smiles on both their faces. Maris' friends, who obviously knew what was going on.
Niles rose to greet them.
"Norbert, Martha, good afternoon."
"Isn't this a lovely surprise, Dr. Crane."
Yeah, like finding a shark in your bathtub. Niles smiled falsely. "It is always nice to see you." I don't care if my damn nose does bleed.
Norbert looked to his wife.
"Quite a surprise, Crane, since you haven't been home for some time now."
Martha added, "One of your neighbors told us you'd left the country for a safari in Africa."
Niles used all of his will to remain calm. He knew how to handle these people.
The waiter brought the coffee.
"Well, yes, you know there are certain things you cannot tell your neighbors," Niles said coldly.
Norbert nodded emphatically. "Certainly, Crane. It is better to avoid total humiliation."
Niles forced a smile.
Martha dug the knife in further. "Absolutely, we were discussing this with Maris just the other day. She is so busy these days dealing with lawyers, she seems to be having a flurry of . business."
"I'm sure," Niles nodded. "She'll have to hire every lawyer in Seattle to fix this one."
Norbert feigned sorrow. "Such a shame she filed for divorce, Crane."
There it was, the 'official version' of the whole matter, directly from Maris' forked tongue.
"Actually, Norbert, I am the one who filed for divorce," He paused. "And I don't care if you want to continue pretending to be her friend. I, however, have quit playing the happy husband for that witch."
"I don't know what are you talking about, Niles," Mrs. Monroe said.
"Oh, yes, you do, and please, stop calling me Niles, or Crane. To you, I am Doctor Niles Crane," Niles said forcefully. He followed them with his eyes as they left in haste. "And stop snooping around my building!"
He then spotted Daphne standing in the doorway. He could tell by her expression that she had heard everything.
"Dr. Crane?..." She sounded reluctant.
"Come out here, Daphne," he called softly. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off when they'd been having such a wonderful time. "I'm sorry about that."
She sat down next to him.
"I have never heard you that angry..." she said.
"I am sorry you had to hear that, Daphne," Niles threw a glance over his shoulder. "But those people wanted to ridicule me by giving me the 'official' version Maris told them..."
Daphne was silent, just looking at him.
"I am sorry..." he said again. "But I wasn't taking that abuse anymore..."
A smile suddenly illuminated her face that took Niles off guard.
"I'm so proud of you, Dr. Crane!"
Niles frowned. "What happened to 'Niles'?" he asked.
"That one deserved the title of 'doctor'," she said. "To hear you talk like that..." she chuckled. "Those two were blown away!"
"Thank you, Daphne"
She raised her cup. "Cheers, Niles"
"Cheers!" he said, raising his.
"Those two will respect you from now on," Daphne stated
Niles shrugged his shoulders and looked at her.
"I don't care if they respect me or not," he assured. "All I care about is the people I love, Daphne. Remember what you said? All we need is in here..." and he pointed at her heart.
Daphne's eyes twinkled.
***
Niles stopped at the entrance of the Elliot Bay Towers and looked at Daphne, smiling.
Eddie ran in circles around her feet.
"Did you have a good time?" she asked.
"I certainly did, Daphne," Niles stated, and then added, "we have to do this again."
"Oh, yes," Daphne started to the door but, when she noticed he didn't move, she paused. "Don't you want to come up?"
Niles shook his head. "No, I have to go. I have a dead car to see to, remember?"
Daphne nodded. "Sorry. I'd forgotten."
"I recall one of my neighbors is a mechanic, perhaps he will give me hand with it."
"See you later, then."
"Of course, Daphne" Niles started out of the building. "And, thank you again." And with that, he turned away, pulling his cell phone out of his jacket.
She watched him go and, when he disappeared around the corner she walked into the building.
She was glad she had been able to help Niles.
It was always surprising for her how, after a good chat with him, she had a feeling of ease. It was like the one you get when you miss someone so much, and then one day you bump into him or her casually.
Daphne felt like that every time she talked with Niles.
The man had been there for her every time she needed someone. He never treated her with anything other than respect. Niles Crane treated her like no one else, with a mixture of attention, friendship, and care.
Like. a queen.
It is a shame he has to go through all of this, she thought as the elevator carried her and the dog to the 19th floor. The truth was she'd never liked Maris for Dr. Crane. He was a good man, someday perhaps a perfect father. He deserves something better than Maris.
Someone like you.
That last thought startled her.
What? Me with Doctor Niles Crane? In my dreams, perhaps. I am just a friend, that's all. But yes, she continued thinking, someone like me would be good for him, someone who can see all the good in him. But. someone of his social standing. Not me, Daphne Moon, English therapist.
We are friends, yes, but. we are from different worlds.
By the time she got to apartment 1901 and unlocked the door, a thought was firmly imprinted in her mind.
She would continue supporting him all she could, but she would never aspire to be anything other than a friend to him.
Daphne closed the door and didn't know why, but. that made her feel sad.
***
Weeks passed.
For Niles, it was like struggling up a mountain, ever dodging deadly lose rocks and challenging rifts, using all of his strength to make his way to the top.
One thing became clear.
He had to get a better lawyer.
Then one day at Nervosa Roz mentioned an ex-boyfriend of hers.
Donald Douglas was his name, she said, and he was a piranha. The man, she told him, was a truly skilled lawyer who could nail Maris' legal team and get that divorce in no time.
That prospect brought Niles a ray of hope. His goal seemed so close; once the divorce was final he would be clear to go after his most treasured dream. She who was the only thing that made him endure living at the Shangri La.
The promise of a possible future with Daphne.
He would go talk with the man.
***
The day finally came, and an exuberant Niles Crane was given the best gift ever. One of Maris' attorneys appeared at his door to hand him back his life. Niles regained his car and apartment keys, his cell phone, and all of his credit cards, reactivated. When they were placed in his hands he felt the Shangri La experience melt away.
At last!
The lawyer left and Niles slammed the door with a flourish.
Time to get the hell out of here!
***
He ran out after changing clothes. His brother and father were waiting for him at his apartment. his apartment. to go out to dinner, in celebration for his victory.
Of course, there was something he had to do before the celebration. He had to go thank the man responsible for his release from Maris' prison.
So, with a triumphant smile, he accelerated into the Seattle evening traffic.
He opened the door to Donny's office with that same glorious smile. This man was responsible for his freedom; all he'd had to endure was now in the past. He could move back to the Montana! He parked his car at the entrance of Donny's office building. He was here to say 'thank you' to this wonderful man, whose skills had really bowled over Maris' legal team. And the man...
The man was kissing Daphne.
Niles stopped, frozen at the threshold. All he'd planned to say died, along with his smile. All of his hopes vanished, stolen by what he saw: Daphne, hugging Donny, kissing him. The pain pierced his heart.
Niles' bliss died instantly as the lovers' kiss deepened. All of his plans, finally free to ask her out. All of his hopes for the future suddenly became. nothing.
Niles closed the door slowly, trying to make no noise. The couple kissing in the office never noticed him and continued, indifferent to the rest of the world.
Niles walked out slowly, crestfallen. All his feelings ached to come out, but he held back, forcing them to hide behind his dignity.
He got into his precious black Mercedes and adjusted the leather seat. He started the German V8 engine and drove away from the building back to his apartment, to the world he'd fought so hard to recover.
He'd gotten what he wanted, but the price he had to pay was the highest one there was.
Losing Daphne Moon.
The End
Credits Scene
The camera pans across the living room of the Montana while zooming in, stopping at the dining room table where Niles is seen having dinner. He wears a vacant expression. The camera continues its movement to the right, revealing lit candles and a bottle of champagne on ice, until it stops on Niles' dinner companion.
A framed photo of Daphne.
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