Chapter 4

*A/N - Sorry for the long delay, think I got burned out with fanfic for awhile. But anyway, am back and planning to finish my works in progress. I know I always hate it when someone starts a story I enjoy and then stops in the middle of it. Anyway usual disclaimers apply and sorry for the delay. Oh and yes, it's still heading in an angsty direction. Will try to get it on a happier note soon. Feedback appreciated as always.

"I appreciate you letting us meet here Roz." Frasier said as he helped carry the plates to the table as they prepared for dinner."

"Anything to help get you back home and out from underfoot." Roz teased lightly as she put down the glasses and went to the door when the bell rang signaling Niles and Daphne's arrival. They spent the meal making idol chitchat and completely avoiding the subject they had all gathered to discuss. The meal finally ended and the small group made their way to the small living room.
"I must say Frasier, you seem rather settled in here." Niles observed as they trailed behind the ladies.

Frasier simply cast a glare at his brother and ignored the comment. "We might as well get to the problem at hand." He announced glumly as they all sat down. Niles and Daphne automatically taking the sofa, while Frasier and Roz opted for the chairs. Everyone was silent for a moment, as if waiting for someone else to start. Finally Daphne could take the silence no longer. "Are we going to sit around like lumps of clay or figure out how to get this family back together?"

"I don't see what we can do until Dad decides to talk to us." Frasier said almost childishly.

"Agreed, the ball is in his court." Niles nodded. "So we have decided that he's the one who needs to come to us, that wasn't hard." He began to stand.

"SIT!" Roz commanded, startling everyone. "Listen to yourselves. It took you all of 3 minutes to decide that he needed to make the first move." Frasier opened his mouth to object, but was silenced as Roz continued. "You let his dog get run over, didn't even have the decency to try and tell him the truth upfront, and he's the one that needs to come to you? Talk about avoidance." The brothers stared at the floor for a moment, obviously feeling the weight of their guilt as Roz's words sank in.

"But what can we do if he won't answer the phone or the door when we try." Frasier asked meekly.

"You only tried once." Daphne pointed out. "I think you should try again."

"Well perhaps tomorrow...." Niles agreed.

"Tonight." Roz interrupted him. "The longer this goes on, the more it's going to hurt. You need to begin the healing process now." Her tone was surprisingly gentle towards the miserable Niles.

"You've been listening to Frasier too long." Niles smiled wryly. "I suppose you're right though, ready to go Daphne?" He rose and picked up Daphne's coat for her. Daphne and Roz looked at each other and reached a silent agreement before Daphne answered. "No, this is something the 2 of you need to do alone, we'll be here waiting."

The brothers looked almost like forlorn children dreading having to admit to their father that they had broken a window. "Roz are you sure you and Daphne..." Frasier began. "Yes, now go, we'll be here." Roz reminded him gently as she stood to open the door.

Frasier and Niles walked to the car in silence. The ride to Elliot Bay Towers was equally quiet as they both remained lost in their thoughts. It seemed much to soon that they were pulling into the parking garage. "This is going to be hard isn't it Frasier?"

"Yes Niles it is, the girls are right though, we're going to have to apologize for both Eddie and for the lie, and beg Dad's forgiveness."

"And avoid blaming each other for it." Niles added softly as they entered the elevator.

"Maybe he won't be home, or answer the door when he sees us." Frasier said hopefully as it stopped on their floor. Frasier was the one to tap hesitantly on the door. Surprised when after a moment it opened.