Sinking in
By Amy (amydekanter@yahoo.com)
The second Niles and Daphne were out of the car, Frasier had been subjected to a holy hell of a lecture from his father.
"Don't you think they've had enough to deal with for one day?" Dad asked. "Would kill you to be supportive?"
"This hasn't exactly been my idea of an ideal weekend either, you know."
"Well, boo-hoo." Dad said, not letting him elaborate. "So sorry your big day was ruined. What happened, was your wedding ruined? No, wait, that was Daphne. Well then maybe you just ended your second marriage. Nope, not you either. So what, did you pick a bad number behind all the other people lining up to throw stones at the two of them? I know what: Maybe you could ask Mel if you can cut in, she's right there at the front screaming insults at your brother. Or sweet mummy Moon or Donny's family or all those hyenas making ugly remarks about Daphne."
"That's absolutely uncalled for," Frasier was deeply hurt. "I'm nothing like that. I support their decision..."
"Then buck up and act like it. I mean it Frasier, you be nice to them. Especially to Daphne. Just because they have each other doesn't mean they don't need anyone else standing by them."
Frasier opened his mouth then snapped it shut again. Dad was really upset. He certainly was taking this to heart.
"All right, all right, the silent treatment is off," Frasier agreed sullenly. "After all, Daphne is like family and Niles... well, he is almost like family too."
"Atta boy."
Niles and Daphne reappeared.
"Thanks, Frasier, thanks Dad," Niles said as Daphne got back in the car. At least he did sound sincerely grateful. And so he should be. Then Niles turned his attention to Daphne. "Get some rest. I'll come and see you tomorrow."
Daphne gazed at Niles. "Then I'll see you tomorrow."
"Early." Niles added.
"Early." Daphne agreed. Although he didn't care to admit it, it touched Frasier to the core to see them together. He still couldn't get used to the way they looked at each other. After so long.
Niles finally closed the door and as they drove away Frasier glanced in the review mirror to see his brother standing there, staring forlornly after the car. He was still there when they reached the end of the driveway and pulled out of sight.
"Boy, I'll tell you something, Daph." Dad said. "I bet Eddie will be happy to see you back."
"I'm happy too," Daphne said quietly.
The last of Frasier's ill humour melted away. She did look happy and heaven knew she deserved it. She and Niles had at last found love and instead of the support of friends and family, they had to face an angry wife, a heartbroken fiancé, irritated hotel staff, irritating family - Daphne's, of course - and malicious gossip. Dad was right: he owed it to them to be on their side.
"Daphne, have you had anything to eat today? Would you like to stop and get some dinner?" He hoped his father was taking note of the thoughtful gesture.
"If it's all the same to you, Dr. Crane, I think I'd just like to go home."
Home. Frasier almost smiled. He thought of a time many years ago when the idea of Daphne moving into his apartment had made him feel claustrophobic. He was still not used to the idea of sharing his space with an old man and an ill-mannered dog, then suddenly he was also burdened with an overly- cheerful and way overly-chatty young English woman who walked around in her bathrobe, brought home dates and turned his Phi Beta Kappa brother into a blathering idiot.
And now... well, now he had to admit to himself how much he had been hurting these past couple of weeks, thinking about how empty their home and their lives would be without Daphne.
The car suddenly felt too quiet.
"So, Daphne... I was wondering about your cousin... the woman with the... er..." how could he put this delicately?
"Hairpiece?" Daphne offered.
"No..."
"Mick Jagger and 'say no to fornication' tattoos?"
"Uh...No."
"Removable elbow?"
Good god.
"No, the eye patch!" Frasier said. "I was wondering about your cousin with the eye patch."
"Oh, her. That's Sophie. She's my sister-in-law. There's nothing wrong with her eye, she just wears it so Audrey - that's her daughter- won't feel bad. She used to insist everyone in the family wear one. I had to too when I was up for a visit this year. You never saw so many things knocked over, us not used to lack of depth perception and all. We stopped because Audrey got tired of picking things up after us. It was fun while it lasted though. For a while we'd become kind of a tourist attraction. Billy charged Japanese tourists a pound apiece to get their photos taken with the one-eyed Manchester Moons. He used the money to buy himself and Audrey matching picnic frocks."
Frasier shuddered gleefully and glanced at Dad who was unsuccessfully trying to hide a smile. It was only after they reached Elliot Bay Towers and were on their way up in the elevator that Dad asked:
"So, how did little Audrey loose her eye?"
"Oh, there's nothing wrong with her eyes either," Daphne answered as she got out. "She lifted it off a little pirate at nursery costume day and has worn it ever since."
Dad and Frasier grinned at each other and Frasier took a deep contented sigh. Oh, yeah. Their Daphne was home.
Eddie was excited to see his friend. He ran in happy circles, wagging his tail and generally acting very much like a dog and very unlike Eddie. Daphne patted him and rubbed his stomach, equally pleased at the reunion.
"I'd better go take a shower and get changed," Daphne said finally. She looked like she wanted to add something but didn't know how. Dad beat her to it.
"You know, Daph?"
"Yes, Mr. Crane?"
"I never thought I'd say this about either of my sons, but... Niles sure picked a winner this time."
"Oh, thank you Mr. Crane. That means the world to me." Daphne hugged Dad. As always, Dad tolerated less than three seconds of such a display before disentangling himself.
"Dad speaks for both of us," Frasier said. "Niles is a very lucky man."
"Oh, Dr. Crane..." Daphne's voice broke as she embraced him.
"Welcome home, Daphne." To his dismay Frasier also felt himself choking up. He patted Daphne on the back to comfort them both. "There, there. It's been a long and exhausting day for you. Why don't you go take a long bath and then get some rest."
"I will, Dr. Crane. Thank you."
Still wiping away tears, Daphne managed to smile at them before heading off to her room.
"Can I get you a drink, Dad?"
"No, thanks, Fraisz." Dad was staring after Daphne. "Wow, I still can't believe it. Who would have thought it?"
"Well, they did have a bit of help," Frasier reminded him.
"Yes, I know. Who could forget, even if you let them? Still, you have to be pretty proud of Niles back there. After years of seeing him make false starts or falling flat on his face, I barely recognised him today."
"He did do very well."
"Without your help, I may add."
"All right, Dad!"
"Come on, Frasier. It would do you good to admit that once in a while Niles is able to cope without his big brother jumping to the rescue."
"Yes, yes. Today our pillar of salt became a pillar of strength. It is cause for great jubilation."
Dad studied Frasier suspiciously, as if trying to determine the proximity of Frasier's tongue to his cheek. He must have decided Frasier meant well enough.
"Well, I'm off to bed," Dad said. "I'm beat."
"Yeah, I'll be doing the same soon." Dad looked at him suspiciously. Frasier yawned widely, which of course set Dad off with one even deeper and louder.
"Good night," Dad said, his misgivings swallowed up by drowsiness. Frasier smiled to himself as he watched his father stumble off. Dad was as predictable as Daphne. And speaking of predictable...
He looked at his watch, sat down by the phone and crossed his legs. It should be any minute now. To amuse himself while he waited, he started running a list of rare phobias through his mind in alphabetical order. He was at Eleutherophobia when the phone rang.
"Hello? Yes, Niles. Just dropping off to sleep. Can't it wait? Oh, very well, since you are my brother, I guess I could get dressed again and come out. I'll meet you at De Lys in half an hour.."
He stood up and poured himself a sherry. Then he sat back and finished the list at a leisurely pace before putting his coat on and setting out.
Frasier regretted his decision to take things slow the second he entered the bar. Niles had already emptied three quarters of a bottle of wine of unsettling vintage.
"I came as fast as I could," Frasier said. It wasn't the truth, but it was what he now wished were true, so it was almost the same thing. Niles looked up at him with a glazed expression. "How are you?"
"Not as good as I look," Niles' tone suggested he was aware he resembled someone who should not be viewed in an open casket.
"You should be proud of yourself. You've held up marvelously today. I must admit I'm impressed." In his effort to be encouraging, Frasier left out the fact that he had expected Niles to be reduced to a quivering mess as early as last night's rehearsal dinner. "I'm proud of you, Niles."
"Daphne needed me to be strong," Niles shrugged as if that made it less commendable instead of more.
"And so you were." Frasier watched in horror as Niles emptied the bottle then his glass.
"One more," Niles called to the server. Frasier was no longer able to contain himself.
"Good god, man, pull yourself together!" Frasier caught up with the server and corrected his brother's mistake. Making a public spectacle of oneself by whisking away a bride on her wedding day was one thing, but to sacrifice a refined palate to a 1999 Georges Dubouef? Had his brother lost all sense of pride?
A few moments later, with a bottle of a good-natured 1997 Barolo Cannubi between them, Frasier finally asked:
"Now, what is bothering you?"
Niles sloshed down a glass before answering.
"It just hit me." He said. Frasier smiled. Ah, young love.
"Niles, under the circumstances and with all that happened today, a delayed reaction is to be expected. I know, having wanted Daphne for so long it must have been strange when it finally sunk in that you're together..."
"No, see, that's not it. I mean it is....My god, we're together...." Niles started to hyperventilate.
"Niles. Niles!" His raised voice managed to startle Niles into taking slower breaths but unfortunately also attracted attention from the nearer tables. Frasier smiled his best 'nothing to see here' smile then lowered his voice again. "Well, if it isn't that, then what is it?"
"I love her."
"That is what hit you? Only now? After 7 years?"
"I don't mean it that way. I always said I loved her but I feel that only in the last 24 hours I've really discovered what love is. And I love her, Frasier. I love her so much that I found I could be brave and strong and selfless and all the other things I've never been before. I love her so much it's terrifying. I love Daphne. I love..." Niles stared at Frasier helplessly, his eyes wild with turbulent emotion.
"Well Niles..."
"But that's still not it. Not what's hit the hardest."
"Ah. In that case..." Frasier refilled their glasses and waited as Niles chugged his back like a frat boy. Perhaps Niles' choice earlier choice had not been a cry for help after all, merely recognition that in his current position he would be harmlessly able to rid the world of one of its graver mistakes. "What is it then?"
"I love her and..." Niles was shaking. Frasier pushed over his drink and Niles took it gratefully. "And I always hoped she would have me. Frasier, I barely dreamed that she would ever consider me as more than a friend, but that was all I wanted. I wanted her to say, 'I accept your love and will let you shower me with it for the rest of my life.' I mean shower in the figurative sense."
"I know. And now she has, Niles. She has accepted you," Niles was shaking his head. "Why is that so hard to believe?"
"She hasn't... I mean... " Niles took a deep, shuddering breath. "I never dreamed she would love me back."
Frasier sat back and stared sadly at his brother. So that was it.
"All these years I wanted her so," Niles continued. "The only question I dared ask myself was whether she would have me. When I imagined a life together, all I wanted was for her to be there and let me adore her. I would have done everything to make her happy. I was ready to hand her my heart and my life on a platter..."
"Never imagining she would offer you hers in return."
Niles stared at him, not even nodding.
"She loves me, Frasier."
"Yes, she does."
"But..."
"But?"
"I don't know whether I'm up to the responsibility of being loved. Especially not by Daphne. If I were to disappoint her..."
"Oh, Niles." Frasier's heart went out to his little brother. "I'm not surprised you didn't believe she could love you back. No, hear me out, Niles. That has been the pattern to your relationship, first with Maris, then with Mel, but also with every other woman you've been with, even Daphne. It worried me that you were so comfortable with fawning over them, only sure of yourself when you could serve them. But that is not healthy, Niles."
His brother was staring dully into space. Frasier could not tell whether anything he had said had an impact, but he was not finished:
"There, I've spoken to you like a psychiatrist. Now listen to me as your brother. Daphne is very lucky to have love like yours. She is also the one you deserve."
"She loves me, Frasier." Niles still looked dazed.
"Yes, Niles. She loves you."
"Wow."
"And you love her. Surely you must know that that is how things should be."
Niles looked up at him and suddenly his face suddenly split into a huge grin.
"Yes, I..." just as suddenly his face crumpled and tears started pouring down his cheeks. "I love her so much."
Frasier patted his brother's hand. At least the shock was wearing off. He continued to comfort Niles, trying to ignore the people who had once again found interest in his table.
"Then you owe it to her to give her what she wants. And she wants you. And she wants your affection and your support. This isn't over yet, Niles, there still could be some ugliness ahead in retribution to what happened today." Again he edited out small details like the fact that Niles and Daphne's shameless display right before they left the wedding was a large part of why they could expect unwanted feedback. "The kindest and best thing you can do for Daphne is to show her that you are unwavering in your love for her."
That pulled Niles together in a hurry. Frasier felt a wave of pride as he watched his brother wipe his face and sit up straight.
"You are right, of course." Niles said, for the first time sounding like himself. "This is not a time for indulging in self-doubt."
"You make a lovely couple."
"Thanks, Frasier." Niles' gaze drifted off.
"Look," Frasier said. "Maybe instead of trying to focus solely on emotion, it would help if you started thinking about the future. After all, although you have had feelings for years, you have to admit that what happened today was quite sudden. Do you even know what you want out of this?"
"Marry Daphne."
"No, I'm not talking long-term yet. Think first of the immediate future. What would you like your next step to be?"
"Marry Daphne."
"Niles..."
"I'm sorry, Frasier, but sudden as this is, the past 24 hours have left me more certain than ever before. I was a fool to wait for so long and I don't ever want to make that mistake again."
"Niles, I hate to be the one to remind you of this, but you are still married." The glum expression on Niles' face indicated that he had indeed forgotten... or blocked it out. "As unpleasant as that is, it is the reality. Did you even wonder why I wanted Daphne to come home with us tonight?"
"Well, I...."
"Until you get the divorce, technically any relations with Daphne would make her your..."
"Mistress..." Niles looked horrified. "I can't do that to her. Especially not on the heels of having ruined her perfectly respectable wedding."
"So the honourable thing would be for you to avoid making advances until your divorce is final."
"That could take..." Niles didn't finish the sentence but Frasier knew what he was thinking. Mel and Maris were cut from the same cloth and if Mel was feeling as vengeful as Maris had felt, the proceedings could take years. And this time there would be no Donny Douglas to the rescue.
"Of course..." Frasier ventured. Niles looked at him hopefully. "You could let her make the decision. You could be the one to suggest that you two take your time. That shows her that you respect her enough to want to wait until you are a free man before you consider physical relations."
"But also gives her a chance to disagree..."
"You show her you are a gentleman..."
"Even thought that may not be what she wants..."
"Times have changed..."
"I love her, Frasier."
"I know you do."
Frasier drove Niles home. Though slightly unsteady on his feet, Niles felt well enough to decline Frasier's kind offer to stay with him. It had finally sunk in but he still needed time to absorb the enormity of it all. He was in love with Daphne. Daphne loved him back. They were together.
He had no wish to go back to his apartment but he was at a loss as to what else he could do. He wanted with all his heart to see Daphne, or at least to call her, but it had been a long tiring day for her and he did not want to disturb her sleep. The thought of Daphne, his Daphne, lying in bed made his chest ache. He missed her. He wanted her. He loved her.
As he reached his apartment he could hear the phone ringing. It had to be Daphne. Nervousness and sudden cold sweat caused him to fumble and drop his keys no less than four times before he finally opened the door, pleading with the phone to keep ringing until he reached it. It did.
"Hello?" he answered breathlessly.
"Is she there?" His dream world hardened and cracked. It was Mel.
"No."
"Can you be sure it's yours?" Mel asked.
"What?"
"We know it's not Donny's, otherwise she would have married him. But can you be sure it's yours?"
"I don't understand..."
"Her bastard child, Niles. My god, were you always this dense?"
She meant the baby everyone thought Daphne was having. For a minute Niles was tempted to admit responsibility for the fictional child. It certainly would speed things up. Mel did not give him the chance. Her tone changed.
"Niles, be reasonable, can't you see what's happening here?"
"Why don't you tell me?"
"Well, I think you should demand a DNA test, just to gauge her reaction. And even if she goes through with it and it turns out to be yours, there are things we can do, incentives to keep it quiet. There was no one we knew at the wedding..."
Niles dropped the phone on the couch. He could not bring himself to touch it again even to hang up, feeling the same revulsion for the handset that he was feeling for Mel's suggestion. He had treated some sick individuals in his sessions, but none of them had ever turned his stomach with such utter lack of humanity.
He went upstairs to take a shower, turning the water as hot as he could stand it, hating Mel for overpowering the lingering feeling of Daphne against his skin. He soaped up half a dozen times, instead of the regular three, and still came out of the shower feeling polluted. What if this pregnancy rumour had been true? And what if Niles were the kind of despicable rogue his loving wife seemed to think he was? His beloved Daphne would be cast out and forgotten, raising a child alone. Niles needed another drink, something strong to get this vile taste out of his mouth.
When he went back downstairs he wondered whether Mel was still yammering on the phone or whether she had realised he was gone. He did not care to find out. He knew sooner or later he would have to talk to her, but that could wait one more day.
He poured himself some brandy and sat on the edge of the couch, staring at the damnable phone. In a way he should be grateful. Even more than Frasier's words, Mel had reminded him that there was ugliness out there and that much of it was aimed at Daphne. Now was the time to vow that he would do everything in his power to protect her.
His cell phone rang. Damn that woman to hell. He considered ignoring it, but perhaps now was the best time to set some things straight.
"Hello."
"Were you sleeping?" Niles stood up. It was Daphne.
"No, I..."
"I didn't know if it was all right to call..."
"It's always all right to call. Always." Niles held the phone close to his face, as if it would bring her closer. "I'm glad you did."
"I love you."
"And I love you."
"I was thinking it, and then I started saying it out loud, and then I thought maybe I should just call and tell you."
"I love you, Daphne."
"I love you Niles." She didn't say anything after that. Niles felt that he could listen to the silence forever.
"Oh, I hear your brother. I thought he was asleep. I'd better go."
"I'm buying you a cell phone tomorrow," Niles promised. Daphne laughed.
"Drop by first. Early. I can't wait to see you." She loved him, Niles thought. "Good night, Niles."
"Sweet dreams."
"They will be if I dream of you." And with that, Niles was left with a quiet line and that lingering glow that always followed any contact with the woman he loved. He loved her. And she loved him. And they were together.
Niles shut off his phone. Then he went upstairs to count the minutes until he would see Daphne again.
By Amy (amydekanter@yahoo.com)
The second Niles and Daphne were out of the car, Frasier had been subjected to a holy hell of a lecture from his father.
"Don't you think they've had enough to deal with for one day?" Dad asked. "Would kill you to be supportive?"
"This hasn't exactly been my idea of an ideal weekend either, you know."
"Well, boo-hoo." Dad said, not letting him elaborate. "So sorry your big day was ruined. What happened, was your wedding ruined? No, wait, that was Daphne. Well then maybe you just ended your second marriage. Nope, not you either. So what, did you pick a bad number behind all the other people lining up to throw stones at the two of them? I know what: Maybe you could ask Mel if you can cut in, she's right there at the front screaming insults at your brother. Or sweet mummy Moon or Donny's family or all those hyenas making ugly remarks about Daphne."
"That's absolutely uncalled for," Frasier was deeply hurt. "I'm nothing like that. I support their decision..."
"Then buck up and act like it. I mean it Frasier, you be nice to them. Especially to Daphne. Just because they have each other doesn't mean they don't need anyone else standing by them."
Frasier opened his mouth then snapped it shut again. Dad was really upset. He certainly was taking this to heart.
"All right, all right, the silent treatment is off," Frasier agreed sullenly. "After all, Daphne is like family and Niles... well, he is almost like family too."
"Atta boy."
Niles and Daphne reappeared.
"Thanks, Frasier, thanks Dad," Niles said as Daphne got back in the car. At least he did sound sincerely grateful. And so he should be. Then Niles turned his attention to Daphne. "Get some rest. I'll come and see you tomorrow."
Daphne gazed at Niles. "Then I'll see you tomorrow."
"Early." Niles added.
"Early." Daphne agreed. Although he didn't care to admit it, it touched Frasier to the core to see them together. He still couldn't get used to the way they looked at each other. After so long.
Niles finally closed the door and as they drove away Frasier glanced in the review mirror to see his brother standing there, staring forlornly after the car. He was still there when they reached the end of the driveway and pulled out of sight.
"Boy, I'll tell you something, Daph." Dad said. "I bet Eddie will be happy to see you back."
"I'm happy too," Daphne said quietly.
The last of Frasier's ill humour melted away. She did look happy and heaven knew she deserved it. She and Niles had at last found love and instead of the support of friends and family, they had to face an angry wife, a heartbroken fiancé, irritated hotel staff, irritating family - Daphne's, of course - and malicious gossip. Dad was right: he owed it to them to be on their side.
"Daphne, have you had anything to eat today? Would you like to stop and get some dinner?" He hoped his father was taking note of the thoughtful gesture.
"If it's all the same to you, Dr. Crane, I think I'd just like to go home."
Home. Frasier almost smiled. He thought of a time many years ago when the idea of Daphne moving into his apartment had made him feel claustrophobic. He was still not used to the idea of sharing his space with an old man and an ill-mannered dog, then suddenly he was also burdened with an overly- cheerful and way overly-chatty young English woman who walked around in her bathrobe, brought home dates and turned his Phi Beta Kappa brother into a blathering idiot.
And now... well, now he had to admit to himself how much he had been hurting these past couple of weeks, thinking about how empty their home and their lives would be without Daphne.
The car suddenly felt too quiet.
"So, Daphne... I was wondering about your cousin... the woman with the... er..." how could he put this delicately?
"Hairpiece?" Daphne offered.
"No..."
"Mick Jagger and 'say no to fornication' tattoos?"
"Uh...No."
"Removable elbow?"
Good god.
"No, the eye patch!" Frasier said. "I was wondering about your cousin with the eye patch."
"Oh, her. That's Sophie. She's my sister-in-law. There's nothing wrong with her eye, she just wears it so Audrey - that's her daughter- won't feel bad. She used to insist everyone in the family wear one. I had to too when I was up for a visit this year. You never saw so many things knocked over, us not used to lack of depth perception and all. We stopped because Audrey got tired of picking things up after us. It was fun while it lasted though. For a while we'd become kind of a tourist attraction. Billy charged Japanese tourists a pound apiece to get their photos taken with the one-eyed Manchester Moons. He used the money to buy himself and Audrey matching picnic frocks."
Frasier shuddered gleefully and glanced at Dad who was unsuccessfully trying to hide a smile. It was only after they reached Elliot Bay Towers and were on their way up in the elevator that Dad asked:
"So, how did little Audrey loose her eye?"
"Oh, there's nothing wrong with her eyes either," Daphne answered as she got out. "She lifted it off a little pirate at nursery costume day and has worn it ever since."
Dad and Frasier grinned at each other and Frasier took a deep contented sigh. Oh, yeah. Their Daphne was home.
Eddie was excited to see his friend. He ran in happy circles, wagging his tail and generally acting very much like a dog and very unlike Eddie. Daphne patted him and rubbed his stomach, equally pleased at the reunion.
"I'd better go take a shower and get changed," Daphne said finally. She looked like she wanted to add something but didn't know how. Dad beat her to it.
"You know, Daph?"
"Yes, Mr. Crane?"
"I never thought I'd say this about either of my sons, but... Niles sure picked a winner this time."
"Oh, thank you Mr. Crane. That means the world to me." Daphne hugged Dad. As always, Dad tolerated less than three seconds of such a display before disentangling himself.
"Dad speaks for both of us," Frasier said. "Niles is a very lucky man."
"Oh, Dr. Crane..." Daphne's voice broke as she embraced him.
"Welcome home, Daphne." To his dismay Frasier also felt himself choking up. He patted Daphne on the back to comfort them both. "There, there. It's been a long and exhausting day for you. Why don't you go take a long bath and then get some rest."
"I will, Dr. Crane. Thank you."
Still wiping away tears, Daphne managed to smile at them before heading off to her room.
"Can I get you a drink, Dad?"
"No, thanks, Fraisz." Dad was staring after Daphne. "Wow, I still can't believe it. Who would have thought it?"
"Well, they did have a bit of help," Frasier reminded him.
"Yes, I know. Who could forget, even if you let them? Still, you have to be pretty proud of Niles back there. After years of seeing him make false starts or falling flat on his face, I barely recognised him today."
"He did do very well."
"Without your help, I may add."
"All right, Dad!"
"Come on, Frasier. It would do you good to admit that once in a while Niles is able to cope without his big brother jumping to the rescue."
"Yes, yes. Today our pillar of salt became a pillar of strength. It is cause for great jubilation."
Dad studied Frasier suspiciously, as if trying to determine the proximity of Frasier's tongue to his cheek. He must have decided Frasier meant well enough.
"Well, I'm off to bed," Dad said. "I'm beat."
"Yeah, I'll be doing the same soon." Dad looked at him suspiciously. Frasier yawned widely, which of course set Dad off with one even deeper and louder.
"Good night," Dad said, his misgivings swallowed up by drowsiness. Frasier smiled to himself as he watched his father stumble off. Dad was as predictable as Daphne. And speaking of predictable...
He looked at his watch, sat down by the phone and crossed his legs. It should be any minute now. To amuse himself while he waited, he started running a list of rare phobias through his mind in alphabetical order. He was at Eleutherophobia when the phone rang.
"Hello? Yes, Niles. Just dropping off to sleep. Can't it wait? Oh, very well, since you are my brother, I guess I could get dressed again and come out. I'll meet you at De Lys in half an hour.."
He stood up and poured himself a sherry. Then he sat back and finished the list at a leisurely pace before putting his coat on and setting out.
Frasier regretted his decision to take things slow the second he entered the bar. Niles had already emptied three quarters of a bottle of wine of unsettling vintage.
"I came as fast as I could," Frasier said. It wasn't the truth, but it was what he now wished were true, so it was almost the same thing. Niles looked up at him with a glazed expression. "How are you?"
"Not as good as I look," Niles' tone suggested he was aware he resembled someone who should not be viewed in an open casket.
"You should be proud of yourself. You've held up marvelously today. I must admit I'm impressed." In his effort to be encouraging, Frasier left out the fact that he had expected Niles to be reduced to a quivering mess as early as last night's rehearsal dinner. "I'm proud of you, Niles."
"Daphne needed me to be strong," Niles shrugged as if that made it less commendable instead of more.
"And so you were." Frasier watched in horror as Niles emptied the bottle then his glass.
"One more," Niles called to the server. Frasier was no longer able to contain himself.
"Good god, man, pull yourself together!" Frasier caught up with the server and corrected his brother's mistake. Making a public spectacle of oneself by whisking away a bride on her wedding day was one thing, but to sacrifice a refined palate to a 1999 Georges Dubouef? Had his brother lost all sense of pride?
A few moments later, with a bottle of a good-natured 1997 Barolo Cannubi between them, Frasier finally asked:
"Now, what is bothering you?"
Niles sloshed down a glass before answering.
"It just hit me." He said. Frasier smiled. Ah, young love.
"Niles, under the circumstances and with all that happened today, a delayed reaction is to be expected. I know, having wanted Daphne for so long it must have been strange when it finally sunk in that you're together..."
"No, see, that's not it. I mean it is....My god, we're together...." Niles started to hyperventilate.
"Niles. Niles!" His raised voice managed to startle Niles into taking slower breaths but unfortunately also attracted attention from the nearer tables. Frasier smiled his best 'nothing to see here' smile then lowered his voice again. "Well, if it isn't that, then what is it?"
"I love her."
"That is what hit you? Only now? After 7 years?"
"I don't mean it that way. I always said I loved her but I feel that only in the last 24 hours I've really discovered what love is. And I love her, Frasier. I love her so much that I found I could be brave and strong and selfless and all the other things I've never been before. I love her so much it's terrifying. I love Daphne. I love..." Niles stared at Frasier helplessly, his eyes wild with turbulent emotion.
"Well Niles..."
"But that's still not it. Not what's hit the hardest."
"Ah. In that case..." Frasier refilled their glasses and waited as Niles chugged his back like a frat boy. Perhaps Niles' choice earlier choice had not been a cry for help after all, merely recognition that in his current position he would be harmlessly able to rid the world of one of its graver mistakes. "What is it then?"
"I love her and..." Niles was shaking. Frasier pushed over his drink and Niles took it gratefully. "And I always hoped she would have me. Frasier, I barely dreamed that she would ever consider me as more than a friend, but that was all I wanted. I wanted her to say, 'I accept your love and will let you shower me with it for the rest of my life.' I mean shower in the figurative sense."
"I know. And now she has, Niles. She has accepted you," Niles was shaking his head. "Why is that so hard to believe?"
"She hasn't... I mean... " Niles took a deep, shuddering breath. "I never dreamed she would love me back."
Frasier sat back and stared sadly at his brother. So that was it.
"All these years I wanted her so," Niles continued. "The only question I dared ask myself was whether she would have me. When I imagined a life together, all I wanted was for her to be there and let me adore her. I would have done everything to make her happy. I was ready to hand her my heart and my life on a platter..."
"Never imagining she would offer you hers in return."
Niles stared at him, not even nodding.
"She loves me, Frasier."
"Yes, she does."
"But..."
"But?"
"I don't know whether I'm up to the responsibility of being loved. Especially not by Daphne. If I were to disappoint her..."
"Oh, Niles." Frasier's heart went out to his little brother. "I'm not surprised you didn't believe she could love you back. No, hear me out, Niles. That has been the pattern to your relationship, first with Maris, then with Mel, but also with every other woman you've been with, even Daphne. It worried me that you were so comfortable with fawning over them, only sure of yourself when you could serve them. But that is not healthy, Niles."
His brother was staring dully into space. Frasier could not tell whether anything he had said had an impact, but he was not finished:
"There, I've spoken to you like a psychiatrist. Now listen to me as your brother. Daphne is very lucky to have love like yours. She is also the one you deserve."
"She loves me, Frasier." Niles still looked dazed.
"Yes, Niles. She loves you."
"Wow."
"And you love her. Surely you must know that that is how things should be."
Niles looked up at him and suddenly his face suddenly split into a huge grin.
"Yes, I..." just as suddenly his face crumpled and tears started pouring down his cheeks. "I love her so much."
Frasier patted his brother's hand. At least the shock was wearing off. He continued to comfort Niles, trying to ignore the people who had once again found interest in his table.
"Then you owe it to her to give her what she wants. And she wants you. And she wants your affection and your support. This isn't over yet, Niles, there still could be some ugliness ahead in retribution to what happened today." Again he edited out small details like the fact that Niles and Daphne's shameless display right before they left the wedding was a large part of why they could expect unwanted feedback. "The kindest and best thing you can do for Daphne is to show her that you are unwavering in your love for her."
That pulled Niles together in a hurry. Frasier felt a wave of pride as he watched his brother wipe his face and sit up straight.
"You are right, of course." Niles said, for the first time sounding like himself. "This is not a time for indulging in self-doubt."
"You make a lovely couple."
"Thanks, Frasier." Niles' gaze drifted off.
"Look," Frasier said. "Maybe instead of trying to focus solely on emotion, it would help if you started thinking about the future. After all, although you have had feelings for years, you have to admit that what happened today was quite sudden. Do you even know what you want out of this?"
"Marry Daphne."
"No, I'm not talking long-term yet. Think first of the immediate future. What would you like your next step to be?"
"Marry Daphne."
"Niles..."
"I'm sorry, Frasier, but sudden as this is, the past 24 hours have left me more certain than ever before. I was a fool to wait for so long and I don't ever want to make that mistake again."
"Niles, I hate to be the one to remind you of this, but you are still married." The glum expression on Niles' face indicated that he had indeed forgotten... or blocked it out. "As unpleasant as that is, it is the reality. Did you even wonder why I wanted Daphne to come home with us tonight?"
"Well, I...."
"Until you get the divorce, technically any relations with Daphne would make her your..."
"Mistress..." Niles looked horrified. "I can't do that to her. Especially not on the heels of having ruined her perfectly respectable wedding."
"So the honourable thing would be for you to avoid making advances until your divorce is final."
"That could take..." Niles didn't finish the sentence but Frasier knew what he was thinking. Mel and Maris were cut from the same cloth and if Mel was feeling as vengeful as Maris had felt, the proceedings could take years. And this time there would be no Donny Douglas to the rescue.
"Of course..." Frasier ventured. Niles looked at him hopefully. "You could let her make the decision. You could be the one to suggest that you two take your time. That shows her that you respect her enough to want to wait until you are a free man before you consider physical relations."
"But also gives her a chance to disagree..."
"You show her you are a gentleman..."
"Even thought that may not be what she wants..."
"Times have changed..."
"I love her, Frasier."
"I know you do."
Frasier drove Niles home. Though slightly unsteady on his feet, Niles felt well enough to decline Frasier's kind offer to stay with him. It had finally sunk in but he still needed time to absorb the enormity of it all. He was in love with Daphne. Daphne loved him back. They were together.
He had no wish to go back to his apartment but he was at a loss as to what else he could do. He wanted with all his heart to see Daphne, or at least to call her, but it had been a long tiring day for her and he did not want to disturb her sleep. The thought of Daphne, his Daphne, lying in bed made his chest ache. He missed her. He wanted her. He loved her.
As he reached his apartment he could hear the phone ringing. It had to be Daphne. Nervousness and sudden cold sweat caused him to fumble and drop his keys no less than four times before he finally opened the door, pleading with the phone to keep ringing until he reached it. It did.
"Hello?" he answered breathlessly.
"Is she there?" His dream world hardened and cracked. It was Mel.
"No."
"Can you be sure it's yours?" Mel asked.
"What?"
"We know it's not Donny's, otherwise she would have married him. But can you be sure it's yours?"
"I don't understand..."
"Her bastard child, Niles. My god, were you always this dense?"
She meant the baby everyone thought Daphne was having. For a minute Niles was tempted to admit responsibility for the fictional child. It certainly would speed things up. Mel did not give him the chance. Her tone changed.
"Niles, be reasonable, can't you see what's happening here?"
"Why don't you tell me?"
"Well, I think you should demand a DNA test, just to gauge her reaction. And even if she goes through with it and it turns out to be yours, there are things we can do, incentives to keep it quiet. There was no one we knew at the wedding..."
Niles dropped the phone on the couch. He could not bring himself to touch it again even to hang up, feeling the same revulsion for the handset that he was feeling for Mel's suggestion. He had treated some sick individuals in his sessions, but none of them had ever turned his stomach with such utter lack of humanity.
He went upstairs to take a shower, turning the water as hot as he could stand it, hating Mel for overpowering the lingering feeling of Daphne against his skin. He soaped up half a dozen times, instead of the regular three, and still came out of the shower feeling polluted. What if this pregnancy rumour had been true? And what if Niles were the kind of despicable rogue his loving wife seemed to think he was? His beloved Daphne would be cast out and forgotten, raising a child alone. Niles needed another drink, something strong to get this vile taste out of his mouth.
When he went back downstairs he wondered whether Mel was still yammering on the phone or whether she had realised he was gone. He did not care to find out. He knew sooner or later he would have to talk to her, but that could wait one more day.
He poured himself some brandy and sat on the edge of the couch, staring at the damnable phone. In a way he should be grateful. Even more than Frasier's words, Mel had reminded him that there was ugliness out there and that much of it was aimed at Daphne. Now was the time to vow that he would do everything in his power to protect her.
His cell phone rang. Damn that woman to hell. He considered ignoring it, but perhaps now was the best time to set some things straight.
"Hello."
"Were you sleeping?" Niles stood up. It was Daphne.
"No, I..."
"I didn't know if it was all right to call..."
"It's always all right to call. Always." Niles held the phone close to his face, as if it would bring her closer. "I'm glad you did."
"I love you."
"And I love you."
"I was thinking it, and then I started saying it out loud, and then I thought maybe I should just call and tell you."
"I love you, Daphne."
"I love you Niles." She didn't say anything after that. Niles felt that he could listen to the silence forever.
"Oh, I hear your brother. I thought he was asleep. I'd better go."
"I'm buying you a cell phone tomorrow," Niles promised. Daphne laughed.
"Drop by first. Early. I can't wait to see you." She loved him, Niles thought. "Good night, Niles."
"Sweet dreams."
"They will be if I dream of you." And with that, Niles was left with a quiet line and that lingering glow that always followed any contact with the woman he loved. He loved her. And she loved him. And they were together.
Niles shut off his phone. Then he went upstairs to count the minutes until he would see Daphne again.
